After weeks of considerable worry about Fitsum's progress, we received this good news from his treating physician in India yesterday: "Apologies for the late response....As mentioned in our previous conversation, the patient's weight is paramount, and I am happy to inform you that Mr. Fitsum is gaining weight and has attained his pre-transplant weight. His blood counts are steadily improving, and we are hoping to be able to send him home by the end of this year. I am truly amazed by your keen interest in his recovery. Regards, Dr. Sohini Chattopadhyay, M.D., D.M., Assistant Professor, Dept Of Hematology"   Thanks to every person who has contributed in gifts or prayers to Fitsum's recovery so far! Let's keep it up! We are committed to giving the hospital an additional $14,256 beyond what we have raised so far. Please spread the word to give this young man a second shot at life!

Greetings, I have been following our patient Fitsum's condition by communicating with the treating physicians and family members. The extensive experience of the center and treating physicians helped him a lot to recover from his complicated course after the transplant. I have recently discussed his current condition with the CMC team and senior consultant. Even if he recovered, his condition has not yet stabilized and he has to stay for some time before coming back to Ethiopia. I am so afraid that we can't continue his care at this stage here, We don't have a facility at this time to continue monitoring serial CMV and BK viral load and to start medication when necessary( CMV and BK virus is already activated and he is on treatment). The platelet count is also low and not stabilized. I believe a smooth transition is important and determines the whole stage of treatment and outcome. I can assure you that this young Boy is so lucky and honored to get your attention and relentless commitment. It is so unthinkable for almost all of our patients to get this kind of treatment. I have seen a lot of patients dying in front of my eyes because of a lack of optimal treatment. I am kindly asking you if possible to continue your unreserved support for some time until he is stabilized from his condition. Sincerely, Tirumebet Mezgebu, M.D.

First, there are several things to be thankful for: his sister Tinsae is a perfect bone marrow match, his entire family was able to travel to India, he received the transplant in the end of the summer, a few people local to the Christian Medical Center in Vellore have been extremely generous to him and his family during their stay to India. Unfortunately, several medical complications have occurred. These include fungal pneumonia, cytomegalovirus infection, BK viruria, Graft-Vs.-Host Disease, and most importantly, therequirement for daily platelet transfusions. Whether this is from his sister’s cells failing toimplant completely in his bone marrow or because the platelets he does produce are beingattacked by his own immune system is not clear. Because of these issues, Fitsum’s itemized hospital bill has already exceeded the original estimate by $19,245, and a doctor involved in his care estimates that it will take another $12115 before he is done. Fitsum was discharged today and is continuing care on an outpatient basis.  We have asked the hospital administration for a discount based on the poverty of the patient’s family and our limited resources; we’ll see what they are willing to do. But the bottom line is that if Fitsum is going to get the care he needs to get out of trouble, we will have to raise at least $25,000 more.  It seems very wrong to me and Carolyn to have brought Fitsum this far and then to abandon him. Would you join us in doing what you can to help Fitsum win this life-and-death battle? Donations made through the Bone Marrow and Cancer Foundation (specify "for Fitsum Alemayehu") are tax-deductible in the USA. All donations count toward treasure in heaven. Let’s give this young man the chance to live that we would want for our own kids/sibs/cousins.

Dear All,    Please note that Fitsum's bone marrow transplant is today, August 18, 2022. He will be receiving cells from his sister, who is a match.   If you are a praying person, please pray against infection and for a successful transplant.    Either way, thank you for your support of Fitsum!   Thank you!   Katy

Dear All,
I would like to express my genuine appreciation for you contribution to my medical expense which is
transplant bone marrow. This medical expense is which is not affordable for me who live in the third
world country, not only that for the fulltime minister it is hard to think and not affordable that to get
such kind medical treatment. So me and my families and who heard the situation were praying for God Guidance and intervention. The Lord heard the prayer and gave me hope through you. I am blessed to have you and your families too. I want thank you very much for your generous support. I want to give you prayer request for successful transplant of bone marrow. Be blessed!! I love you All!!
Yours, Fitsum Alemayehu

Yesterday we received great news-the testing to see if Fitsum's sister is a match for his bone marrow type (HLA testing) came back affirmatively! His sister is a match!  This makes things much more straightforward. She will travel with him and their mom to India for the procedure at Vellore Christian Medical Center.  Everyone is thankul!   The fundraising is going well, and the passports have been acquired for Fitsum, his sister and mom. The next step is to get the travel visas to India from Ethiopia for them.     Fitsum, his family, his physician, Carolyn and I are grateful to all of you donors and to the Lord! -Katy