#StrengthAndStyle: gotCUREage?

Allyn Lewis

11 years ago

When life throws you Leukemia…

YOU have to have “courage” to fight the fight and “CUREage” to win it!

Diagnosed at age 36 with Essential Thrombocythemia, Lauren Blanchard, mom of 4 boys, has used this unexpected and unfortunate life-changing experience to extend inspiration to fellow cancer fighters, their families and friends by founding her own non-profit, gotCUREage. Now a proud supporter of the #StengthAndStyle campaign, Lauren shares her story and her CUREage with me in this eye-opening interview:

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AL: Can you tell me a little about yourself?
LB: I am a 40 year old Mother of 4 boys and the wife of a Plastic Surgeon. At age 36 I had multiple cerebellar strokes while wrapping Christmas presents. After being rushed to the emergency department, a CBC blood test [used to evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection and leukemia via Mayo Clinic] revealed a platelet count of 1.5 million and an MRI lit up showing the tissue damage from the strokes.

AL: What kind of blood cancer were you diagnosed with?
LB: I was diagnosed with Essential Thrombocythemia, a rare, treatable, chronic Leukemia.
[Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by an increased number of platelets in the circulating blood. The disease is commonly diagnosed at the age of 60, predominately in women. ET is characterized by a proliferation of platelet precursors in the bone marrow, and its most common complications include tendencies toward blood clotting and/or bleeding; later but more rare consequences include a transformation to myelofibrosis (marrow scarring) or acute leukemia – via MPN Research Foundation]

“Due to the rarity of both diagnosis, some have said it was like being struck by lightening twice in one day.”

AL: What was the diagnosis experience like?

LB: The diagnostic experience was very frightening & fast paced because the diagnosis came at the time of the MRI revealing the strokes. Due to the rarity of both diagnosis, some have said it was like being struck by lightening twice in one day.

AL: How has your family coped with the diagnoses?

LB: It took most of my family quite some time to adjust to and understand the sudden shift in my lifestyle and health. For myself, my husband, and my physicians, it is an ongoing battle to keep my platelets at an acceptable level for fear of another spontaneous bleeding event. My oral chemo and weekly Pegasys injection are adjusted with each dramatic rise and fall of my platelets. Not to mention the effect it has on my healthy cells and organs.

“Most importantly, maintain a positive attitude. It’s YOUR life so LIVE it!”

AL: What advice would you give to anyone living with leukemia?

LB: My advice to anyone living with Leukemia would be: try not let it discourage you too often because you do not know what tomorrow will bring. When you feel good, take advantage of it. Join a support group and attend local events that benefit the LLS. Most importantly, maintain a positive attitude. It’s YOUR life so LIVE it!!

AL: What do cancer fighters need to hear the most?

LB: Most cancer fighters want to hear that with the help of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and modern day research we are closer to creating new treatments and ultimately finding a cure.

AL: Can you tell me about GotCUREage and the meaning behind it?

LB: gotCUREage began as a team name for a Light the Night walk for the LLS in November 2012. It was a very well liked “catchy” term that I have since trademarked and now sell t-shirts and other items to benefit the LLS. The meaning behind it is that you have to have “courage” to fight the fight and “CUREage” to win it!!

AL: How do you fight with #StrengthAndStyle?

LB: I personally fight with #StrengthandStyle by not letting my spirits be brought down and by doing what I love. My new found passion is to spread Leukemia awareness and live my life with both COURAGE and CUREage!!!

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In honor of Lauren and her CUREage, please consider joining us in saving lives and spreading awareness with #StrengthAndStyle by making an online donation to the fundraising campaign here.

Thanks to your support, my efforts will help fund the therapies and treatments and help save lives today. LLS’s continued advancements over the years are responsible for the blood cancer survival rate doubling and tripling; in some cases, the survival rate has even quadrupled.

Lauren will also be attending my Red Shoe Gala for LLS on April 25th! Be sure to grab your tickets so that you can meet this truly inspirational gal in person!

Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, for your support. Stay tuned for many exciting updates and don’t forget to hashtag #StrengthAndStyle!

You can also sign up for our campaign email list here. <3