Hi my name is Mallory Turchi and on October 2nd 2015 I was diagnosed with AML Leukemia. I had no reason to go to the doctor except I was very fatigued. My gums were bleeding but I didn’t look too much into that. I just thought maybe I needed a softer toothbrush. Boy was I wrong. I just remember being told over the phone by my doctor that I need to go right to the hospital. I had no idea what was going on. Next thing I knew I was getting a bone marrow biopsy. And if you know anything about those they are terrible! And a day later I was told I have cancer. I cried so hard with my mom and sister at my side when they told us. I just knew I was going to die. Cancer meant a death sentence. Every time you told someone they got that sad look in their eye. Like they just felt so bad for you. Like you were just some pathetic person now.
After a few days of letting it sink in and figuring myself out I knew I had to embrace it. My first month long stay at the hospital was pretty rough. I cried a lot in private and just felt like a prisoner. Not being able to leave was so hard. Everyone would come and go and I just stayed there. After I was out I had a whole new outlook. I was going to do this. I went back in 2 weeks later for more chemo. This time they let me stay a week and go home. This is when I had a lot of time on my hands at home and knew I wanted to start doing good. I was told I needed a bone marrow transplant. I will receive that on January 11th 2016 from my sister. She is my perfect match. My sister is saving my life. When I tell people that they get so excited, but I don’t think they understand how amazing this is. I wouldn’t be able to live if it was not for my sister. She is an amazing person inside and out. And a beautiful mother who I strive to be someday. I have chosen to stay positive and do what I can to help others. God gave me this for a reason and I intend to find out the reason! I’m ready to fight!