A Serious Diagnosis
Anna Rodriguez of Springfield was diagnosed on February 17, 2005 with Myelofibrosis Leukemia. Myelofibrosis is a rare disease of the bone marrow in which the uncontrolled growth of stem cells – precursors to the various forms of blood cells - results in the accumulation of scar tissue in the bone marrow. This fibrous tissue interferes with the production of normal blood cells. Myelofibrosis is often associated with many other serious medical conditions and, as in Anna’s case, can progress to leukemia.

A History of Health Problems
Anna is no stranger to health concerns. Both her mother and sister were also cancer patients. Over the course of her lifetime, Anna has had clotting disease, two strokes, a heart attack, lupis, an intestinal obstruction, glaucoma and other serious medical conditions.

Earlier this year, Anna had been feeling ill, then lost her vision for eight hours. She went to see an ophthalmologist who sent her for extensive blood work, The results revealed, among other things, a low hemoglobin count. Ultimately she was sent to oncologist Zubeena Mateen, M.D. Dr. Mateen did a bone marrow aspiration which confirmed the diagnosis of Myelofibrosis Leukemia.

Given her long history of health problems, many people would have difficulty remaining optimistic, but Anna Rodriguez is a fighter. “I cope with a positive focus. Be thankful for each day you have ahead of you!”

Depending On Regular Blood Transfusions
Currently treatment for her disease consists of monthly trips to Holyoke Medical Center for transfusions of red blood cells and injections of Procrit. Her medical team looked into the possibility of a bone marrow transplant; however, due to the extent of her various health issues, a transplant is not a viable option. In all likelihood, steroids will probably be added to the treatment mix. Anna’s spleen, which has become enlarged from the disease, may ultimately be removed so as not to cause more discomfort.

Advocate For Change
Anna is not only battling her own medical condition; she has also become an advocate for everyone who depends on blood transfusions.

“People don’t stop to think about blood donation and, when they do, they need a reason to give. We shouldn’t think about it that way. Don’t look at it as something you don’t need to do because you’ve never needed it. Think of it as doing something to save, or at least extend, someone’s life.”

Anna is not shy about getting people to think about the importance of being a blood donor. She now asks friends, family members and even people she’s just met to consider giving blood. “People just don’t understand the need for blood. I’m happy to be an advocate and ask them to please donate.”

Being an advocate comes naturally to someone like Anna. She has been actively involved with her Hispanic community over the years, working with the homeless and with young mothers and their babies to improve their lives.

When she’s feeling well, Anna enjoys socializing with the women who live in her building. She also likes going to the movies and bingo and working on her arts and crafts. She is grateful to her extensive family for their help and support during her illness.

Anna is anxious to move ahead with her treatment. She occasionally hears about blood shortages and sometimes worries about whether there will be enough blood when she and others need it. That’s why Anna will continue to spread the word about what a dramatic difference ordinary people can play in the lives of patients with extraordinary circumstances by simply being a blood donor.

Blood donors who give blood through the Red Cross and hospitals like Holyoke Medical Center help patients like Anna in cities and towns throughout New England and across the United States. Please….give blood. Together, we can save a life.

Patient Stories