A young mans fight against cancer and how you can help.
Andy Halpin, like most graduating seniors, is looking forward to going to college, likes to play video games and hang out with friends.
One thing that sets him apart from most kids his age is that he is in a battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
In January 2008, Halpin was diagnosed with the disease that affects the lymphatic system and the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases.
He and his parents fought back and in July of that year they thought they had it beat. In November the disease returned and once again the fight was on, only this time Halpin had to take a new approach.
“He’s a little warrior, he’s been through this once and he’ll do it again,” said Carol Halpin, Andy’s mother.
Because of the restrictions of chemotherapy, Halpin underwent a stem cell transplant using his own stem cells. The surgery was successful, but as a result of the disease and other factors he now requires fresh blood and platelets, which contains healthy white blood cells, to fight off infections and ensure a speedy recovery.
The public can help Andy in his battle by donating blood or platelets. In addition to helping Andy, donations not used will go to other patients fighting cancer.
Donations can be made directly to Andy simply by calling City of Hope, which is the cancer center treating him, at (626) 256-4673 and requesting to make a donation for him.