Danny’s Rebirth

As you know, we are just a few weeks away from Danny’s bone marrow (also referred to as “stem cell”) transplant.

I’ve read a number of articles, watched videos & webinars, and talked to transplant recipients. Through this research I’ve learned that people who receive a bone marrow transplant consider it a rebirth. This makes sense, because it truly is a second chance at life. In fact, it’s not uncommon for transplant recipients to forever celebrate their “rebirthday” on the yearly anniversary of their transplant.

Below is an Instagram post from Erik Grönwall, the new lead singer of the band Skid Row who battled acute leukemia in 2021. (Yes, yes, I too thought that nobody could ever replace Sebastian Bach, but this Swedish rocker has got some serious pipes!) This post illustrates how meaningful rebirthdays are to transplant recipients.

In the spirit of rebirth and because so many of you have thoughtfully asked, “how can I help?”, I have created a gift registry of items that will really help us once Danny returns home post-transplant. I guess this is sort of like a baby registry?!? While I’m not having a baby shower for Danny 2.0 (but oh, how I love that thought), there are a number of things we require to keep Danny safe, healthy, and comfortable while he’s recovering at home.

Because Danny will have an entirely new immune system, fighting to establish itself in its new home, we have to be extremely cautious and vigilant post-transplant to prevent infection. Also, my goal is to make things as easy and comfortable as possible for Danny, so that he can focus on rest and recovery.

Here are some ways you can help us prepare for the arrival and care of Danny 2.0. Just click on the links below in red:

• Purchase an item from our Amazon Gift List
  • I handpicked every item on this list. There are a variety of items, priced starting at $4 and up. Each item is important! It’s set up so that items purchased will be shipped directly to our home.
• Send* us a Shell Gas Gift Card
  • The transplant center & hospital is over 60 miles roundtrip from our home. I will make this drive every day while Danny is hospitalized, and once he’s discharged, we will have to visit the transplant center daily for some time. Eventually it will become every other day and then every few days. Needless to say, we spend a lot on gas!
• Send* us a DoorDash Gift Card
  • With all the back and forth and the level of care Danny requires, it can be hard to find time to eat… much less make a meal! It’s always helpful to have the option to have a meal delivered.
• Share your quick & easy meal recipes
  • No need to spend any money! We can also use ideas for quick & easy meals. So, if you have any favorite recipes that have limited ingredients and are super easy to make, please send them along to me at jennifer@thedesigncore.com. Meals that can be easily frozen are a bonus!

* No need to “send” actual gift cards by mail. You can either email it to the above email address or text it to me. Save the postage!

You can also help by continuing to send prayers, good thoughts, healing energy, and love! There’s no such thing as too much of these things.

As Mr. Rogers once said, “Look for the helpers.” That’s exactly what I’m doing, and Danny and I are so grateful for your help!