Blood Counts
My Triumphant Battle over Aplastic Anemia
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Aplastic Anemia is a rare and potentially fatal disease in which the bone marrow stops making enough red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets for the body. As a result, people with Severe Aplastic Anemia are susceptible to life-threatening infections or bleeding. Aplastic Anemia is caused by the destruction of blood forming stem cells within the bone marrow. Research suggests that this stem cell destruction occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own cells by mistake. Doctors estimate that only 900new cases of Aplastic Anemia are diagnosed in the United States each year.
Diagnosing and then treating Aplastic Anemia is a complex process that is based on each patient’s age, medical history and symptoms. The Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation is an excellent resource for people who wish to learn more about the disease. Patients with Aplastic Anemia often rely on unknown donors for life-saving blood transfusions and bone marrow transplants. Please take the time to visit redcrossblood.org and marrow.org and schedule an appointment that will truly make a difference in someone’s life today.
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About the Book
A young man, fresh out of college with a new career and a young family to provide for is dealt one of life’s most serious challenges. When Asa finds his life is immediately threatened with a rare and deadly blood disease, he musters every ounce of strength he has just to stay alive. Battling the pain and despair of misdiagnoses and failed treatments, Asa can only hope for the best. Leaning on family, friends, nurses, doctors and the promise of innovative medical procedures, Asa fights for each new day so that he can be there for those he loves. Based on true events, this is an inspiring story about the adversity of sickness, the hope for health and the gift of life.
About the Author
Asa McMahon lives with his family in Ithaca, New York. He still teaches physical education at a neighboring school district. A self-described sports fanatic, Asa roots passionately for the New York Mets. With his health restored, Asa wakes each morning extremely grateful for the opportunities life provides. This is his first book.