My wife, Sarah, was diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia (ET) 3 years ago, just after her 40th birthday. Since then, I have supported Sarah and our two children on a journey that has involved learning about a rare, progressive blood cancer with no known cure and coming to terms with her living with this disease.

During this time, Sarah and I have met amazing doctors and a network of support that has made a positive impact on our lives. Our family doctor took our concerns seriously, and a specialist from the Kaye Clinic in Edmonton worked quickly to diagnose her disease and create a treatment plan.

Essential thrombocythemia means that your bone marrow makes too many platelets. Sarah’s platelets were over 2 million and she needed to start taking hydroxyurea, a low-dose chemotherapy in pill form, right away. Sarah also has to do regular bloodwork to ensure her counts are staying where we want them. Luckily, Sarah doesn’t have any side effects from the hydroxyurea, and now that her platelets are lower, she doesn’t have as many symptoms from the essential thrombocythemia as well.

We have been able to connect with other patients with ET through online forums, including the Canadian MPN Network Patient Advocacy Group. Through this group, we have been able to learn about new research being done and find answers to the questions we have about living with these types of blood cancers. We found out about the Sole 2 Soul fundraising trek through the Canadian MPN Research Foundation, and I am looking forward to continuing to meet and support the incredible individuals who live with MPNs.

Donate to Mike’s fundraising page: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/canadian-mpn-research-foundation/p2p/Sole-2-Soul-for-MPN/page/mike-sgro/