Success of marrow drive brings hope to lymphoma patient

Monday, January 2, 2006 - by Yvonne Ramsay 

KTUU 2 Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska - Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race champion Susan Butcher is not the only Alaskan in need of a bone marrow transplant. There are currently more than 50 Alaskans diagnosed with similar blood diseases, including Anchorage resident Michael Donaldson.

Friday, more than 1,200 Alaskans took part in a blood and bone marrow drive to help Butcher or anyone else in need of a bone marrow transplant. Today, the wife of Michael Donaldson, a lymphoma patient, is giving her thanks to those who helped out.

Janice Anderson has been married to Michael Donaldson for nearly 25 years. But after decades of enjoying life in Alaska, they heard a surprising diagnosis.

“I think most people didn’t know about it, I certainly didn’t know about it,” said Anderson.

Donaldson was first diagnosed with lymphoma in September 2003. After a short remission, he was rediagnosed in 2004. By November 2005, doctors told him that he had fewer than six months to live unless they could find a bone marrow match.  

“He was having a really hard time with the emotional and mental anguish and pain. He was becoming quite despondent actually, which that’s the worst, that’s as bad as the disease itself, once you feel like you’ve been beaten,” said Anderson.

Shortly after Donaldson’s November diagnosis, word of Butcher’s struggle with leukemia reached the masses and the Blood Bank of Alaska decided to help out by holding a blood and bone marrow drive.

Butcher (pictured at left) has another round of chemotherapy to complete before she is eligible for a bone marrow transplant. The immediate need for a match is one reason why Blood Bank coordinators decided to include Anchorage resident Michael Donaldson in the drive.

“She said, ‘But your husband on the other hand needs one right now. He’s got about six months,’” said Anderson.

For the Donaldson family, with the bone marrow drive came an outpouring of support from residents across the entire state of Alaska.

“He’s actually because of this, has really raised his spirits and everyone says he’s so much more himself. He’s very gregarious and outgoing and likes to smile and tell jokes,” said Anderson.

Anderson says she’s hopeful they will find a match so she and her husband can stay in Alaska where the hearts are as big as the state.  

“I have just felt an outpouring of love and just abundant blessing, it’s hard to describe,” said Anderson.

Donaldson has four children, who have also made donations. The Donaldson family follows the Iditarod every year and are huge Susan Butcher fans, as well.

It’s not too late to become a bone marrow donor. To find out how, visit the Blood Bank of Alaska Web site.