Transplant Type - Bone Marrow

Rebecca has been battling health problems since she was born. In 1994, she was born with a club foot that required two surgeries. Two years later, she stopped walking, and her family knew something was wrong, as she had been a very active toddler. After a series of tests, Rebecca was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), a disease that took the life of her great-uncle. Doctors told Rebecca's mother that her little girl needed a bone marrow transplant to survive. Thankfully, she received a bone marrow transplant in 1996 in Salt Lake City.

After receiving her transplant, Rebecca began living a very active life and even became the head cheerleader on her squad. However, because of the chemotherapy and medications, she still suffers from many health issues. She often experiences memory loss, growth problems and arthritis pain, among other things. Although she was on medication to help her grow, it has not worked and she has never grown taller than 4'8". Because chemo treatments damaged her ovaries, she must take high levels of estrogen, which has seriously impacted her body.

Despite these challenges, Rebecca is a happy, active girl who loves spending time with her family. She started a group called "Rebecca's Wishes" that provides volunteers for local organizations, including the Ronald McDonald House in Boise. More than anything, Rebecca wants to continue helping others and giving back to the community. But she needs your help.

A bone marrow transplant costs approximately $650,000. And that's only the beginning. Even with health insurance, Rebecca's family faces significant medical expenses. She continues to receive follow-up care and medications to ensure her body remains healthy.

You can help.
To make a donation to NFT in honor of Rebecca, click the link below her photo. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the NFT Idaho Bone Marrow Fund, 5350 Poplar Avenue, Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to write "in honor of Rebecca Martinez" on the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Primary Children's Medical Center