Heather Sutton is the loving wife of Jayson and mother of three beautiful children Mackenzy(13), Madyson (10), and Maxym (8). She is also our friend and neighbor. This web site is dedicated to Heather so that all of us will know what we can do to help Heather on her Journey of Hope.
On October 25, 2010 Heather was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of cancers that affect the bone marrow and blood. Some types of MDS are more easily managed, while other types are severe and life-threatening. All types grow more severe over time. The type that Heather has been diagnosed with (RAEB-1) can also develop into a fast-growing, severe leukemia called acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). MDS starts in the hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, the immature cells from which all blood cells develop. Once they become corrupt, the bone marrow makes reduced numbers of red blood cells (which carry oxygen), white blood cells (which fight infection), or platelets (which prevent or stop bleeding), or any combination of the three. Heather was diagnosed as a result of symptoms stemming from these complications.
There are no known causes and no cure for MDS, only treatments. It is most commonly diagnosed in patients much older than Heather, making her situation more challenging. In addition, it is estimated that only 10,000 to 15,000 people are diagnosed with MDS each year. Because of these factors, the objective for Heather's doctors is to bring Heather's disease into remission through aggressive treatments.
Heather's treatment for MDS since her diagnosis included weekly evaluations and medication to monitor and improve her red blood cells counts and overall condition. She also underwent multiple bone marrow biopsies to look for changes in her bone marrow. On June 4th, 2011 it was determined that her condition had deteriorated and that she must undergo a bone marrow transplant (BMT). The BMT replaces the defective cells in her bone marrow giving her a better chance of remission. Heather was admitted to Hospital at the University of Pennsyvania in Philadelphia on July 8th, 2011 for her transplant. The nature of this treatment will require that Heather be hospitalized for 4 to 8 weeks. For updates on her tranplant, go to "Transplant Updates" on the next page.
A disease of this nature impacts Heather, her family and her friends in a number of ways. The most well understood impact is the unplanned financial burden it will create. The Suttons will deal with the uncertainty of trying to match financial resources to the amount of money needed to cover Heather's medical expenses as well as when those funds will be needed.
Statistics show that any insured family who has to endure this regimen of treatment, in particular a bone marrow transplant, may incur out of pocket expenses up to $100,000 over the course of time. These expenses are created by co-payments, deductibles, items not covered by insurance, home care needs, costly prescriptions, transportation and parking, over the counter medications and supplies, donor search/typing fees, compatibility testing, donor expenses, and needs to aid in a lengthy recovery period.
It is written in Luke Chapter 12, “Much will be required from everyone to whom much has been given. But even more will be demanded from the one to whom much has been entrusted.”
In the years we have been fortunate to call the Suttons our friends, they have exemplified those words. The time has come for us to act in the same manner towards them. We are those Luke refers to as ‘everyone’. Much is required and more will be demanded.
Those who have known someone who has faced similar circumstances are aware of the additional burdens that Heather and her family will face. Families like the Suttons who are gifted in giving are often much less gifted at receiving. It is difficult to ask for help, and it can be equally difficult to receive it.
Therefore, the purpose of this site is to eliminate the need for them to have to ask for help to meet their needs. The site is designed so that they and you will be able to view it and know what is needed so those needs do not go unmet. This is simply a tool to allow you to “Let your light shine before men so they might see your good works,” Matthew 5.
The needs are fourfold; spiritual, giving a helping hand, financial, and considering becoming a bone marrow donor. We will address all four. There is a Prayer Calendar. You pick a day when both you and Heather will know that her illness and the needs of her family are being heard.
There is a page to Grab a "To Do" where Jayson Sutton adds requests for help meeting the dozens of needs we face each week. This will include things like meals, running errands, taking the children to doctor appointments and activities, and picking up prescriptions. A document on this page provides the details, you sign up to take things off of their list and add them to yours!
There is also a page dedicated to "Other Ways to Help" where you may offer products or services where a percentage of the proceeds are committed to "Take the Journey of Hope with Heather".
Another option is to attend a benefit event listed on the "Upcoming Events" page. Grab a friend and join the journey that way.
You may even want to take the step to become a bone marrow donor to help patients like Heather who was blessed wih a donor match for her transplant. If so, go to "Become a Donor" for more information.
Here's where to start today. Please Take the Journey of Hope with Heather by helping the Suttons with your financial support. To provide financial support, please click on the page "Donate Now".
Thank you and please tell a friend about the site!
Team Heather
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes,
it is a tree of Life" (Proverbs 13:12)
