 Fourteen year old Katie Hasemann has recently been diagnosed with the
serious, life threatening bone marrow disease; aplastic anemia. Katie will undergo 6-8
days of extensive chemotherapy, at the end of which time Katie's twin, Meagan, will donate
her bone marrow to save her sister's life.Katie
is to remain in a small isolated hospital room for about two months to reduce the risk of
possible contamination while her immune system is suppressed. During that time she will
undergo repeated blood and platelet transfusions to prevent complications such as internal
bleeding, lack of oxygenated blood that can cause breathing and cardiac problems, etc.
In addition to the emotional strains placed upon the family
are the ever mounting financial burdens. The procedure alone will cost approximately
$200,000. At this time it is unsure how much of the cost will be covered by the family's
health insurance. Genevieve has had to leave her job to be at Katie's side each day. On
top of all the medical expenses are the daily costs associated with traveling to and from
Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. Before Katie can cam home, a section of the house must
be renovated to ensure a germ free environment. All these costs and only a single income.
Unfortunately for the family, most organizations that offer
grants to cover expenses to bone marrow recipients are set up for those recipients who
undergo the transplant due to cancer. Since Katie has aplastic anemia, the Hasemann's do
not qualify to apply for many of these grants.
Katie's Parents, John and Genevieve, have been a part of the
Sayville Fire Department family for 18 years. Their three sons, John, Gregory, and Steven
also belong to fire departments in the area. In order to help the family with the extreme
financial burden, the department has established a fund on their behalf. All monies raised
will go to cover the expenses incurred by the Hasemann family. In addition to the fund,
the department will be holding fund raising events throughout the summer. |
