Going back to school is not necessarily something every 22-year-old is excited about. But Dan Dereski is different. After spending the last two years battling Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, Dan is ready to get back to college life.

After suffering from minor back pain and blacking out playing rugby one day, Dan Dereski visited a doctor in November 2004 and received a life changing diagnosis. He was living with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. Dan needed to begin chemotherapy treatments immediately, which in turn required ongoing blood and platelet transfusions.

Despite a year of treatment, Dan's cancer returned. A bone marrow transplant was scheduled and Dan was transferred to Tufts-New England Medical Center to undergo surgery and receive additional chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Thanks to the generosity of numerous volunteer donors, Dan was able to receive these lifesaving treatments. While Dan will never be able to meet the numerous blood and platelet donors who helped give him another chance at a healthy life, he was given the opportunity to meet Michael, his bone marrow donor. Michael is one of many complete strangers who helped to save Dan's life.

Dan is now a young man with a new appreciation of life and the chance to thank all those who gave him another chance - friends, family, doctors, Michael and the anonymous blood and platelet donors who gave him more than they will ever know.

Red Cross blood donors help patients just like Dan in cities and towns throughout New England and across the United States. Please….give blood.

Patient Stories