By Marion Ashmore and Marisa Saenz, Communications Volunteers for the Utah/Nevada Region of the American Red Cross

Kate Macfarlane was a healthy and active kid until two years ago when her life changed dramatically. At just 14, Kate was a freshman in high school and on the Murray High dance team when she knew that something wasn’t quite right. She was experiencing exhaustion and shortness of breath far beyond what was normal. Tests revealed Kate had aplastic anemia, a rare blood condition where the bone marrow stops producing blood.

Aplastic anemia is a life-threatening condition with a very high mortality rate if left untreated. Over the past two years, Kate and her family have seen countless doctors and specialists and tried every treatment available. Kate has received 22 life-saving blood and platelet transfusions which have eased her symptoms, but so far, no treatment has managed to reverse her disease.

Now, Kate is preparing for a bone marrow transplant, a procedure where healthy bone marrow cells from a donor will be introduced to Kate’s marrow to correct her condition. Kate’s mother Jill said, “We got the diagnosis two years ago and it’s been a long journey. We are nervous, but ready to be at the transplant stage.” Amazingly, Kate’s younger sister Leah is a perfect donor match for her sister and has agreed to participate in the procedure with her big sister.

Through this long process of diagnosis and treatment, Kate’s community has rallied around her to show their love and support. At a recent Murray High School football game, the entire student body wore red and the dance team performed a special number for Kate, all in support of the Red Cross and to encourage blood and platelet donation for patients like their classmate. Jill said, “It’s so heartwarming to see our community rally around Kate in this way and show her their love.”

Their support will continue this week; on Friday, Oct. 20, the same day that Kate will be admitted to the hospital to prepare for her bone marrow transplant, the Murray community is holding a blood drive in honor of Kate and the entire Macfarlane family. To participate, make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org using sponsor code MC2023.

Though her bone marrow transplant is in sight, Kate has a long road to recovery. Doctors say the first 100 days after transplant are the most risky. Jill said, “We are scared and relieved to have a timeline. Fingers crossed that we don’t have any complications as we move through this process.” Kate’s family is optimistic; they know that her chance of full recovery is dramatically higher after the transplant process and say the community support has certainly made this process a little easier.

“Our Murray community is like no other! We are the luckiest!”