Meet Allison Carballo, a two-time cancer survivor
Hi!! Thank you for visiting my page for Ann's Place! I can't even tell you how much this organization has done, and continues to do for my family! I am extremely honored to be part of their Fashion Show. This year's theme is "On the Runway, Celebrating Survivors!" and I am proud to say I am a two-time survivor! For more event information or to purchase tickets please visit the Event Page
In 2019, I received the news no one wants to hear and a diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia turned me and my family's world upside down. I have two girls, Lillie and Rose, and at the time they were four and seven years old. I had just dropped them off at school when I received a call to go to the hospital right away. Routine bloodwork I had the day before showed I needed a blood transfusion. We didn't know why, but they were going to run tests at the hospital. This is when they found the Leukemia and my whirlwind began.
I needed to start treatment right away due to the aggressive type of Leukemia I have, which includes a genetic component putting me in the poor prognosis category. I was told I had a 5% chance of survival. I went through a lot of chemo, total body radiation and some rough times at Memorial Sloan Kettering, but finally got into remission to have a stem cell transplant. This was done with donated umbilical cords, because we could not find a donor who matched me!
About six months later, I was finally back home. Surviving cancer was the easy part. Coming home, I didn't know what to do. I knew I needed some support. I signed up for so many Ann's Place groups and classes--all of which are free!!
This news was devastating, but I knew it was time to fight again and I had Ann's Place in my corner. I had tools I didn't have the first time to get me through this process again. And here I am! I made it through many rounds of chemo, and a second stem cell transplant. I did much better this time, and this is it! I am staying in remission :).
I am still utilizing Ann's Place's support--I talk to the most amazing therapist, Alison DiPinto, who has helped me to reframe my way of thinking. My talks with her are life-changing!! I am learning to play the guitar, something on my bucket list! My daughters and I are signed up for kitten therapy! Kitten therapy. I can't wait. The support groups are filled with wonderful caring people, as is the whole organization.
Now it's time to help Ann's Place continue to help people like me! Please contribute any amount that is within your means.
Your donation will go directly to supporting cancer patients and their families through a variety of services all offered for free to those in need. Thanks so much for your support... and please don't forget to send this page to any friends you think might be interested in donating!
Ann’s Place provides help and hope to those living with cancer and their loved ones. Their clinical social workers, facilitators and wellness experts provide a host of services aimed at improving quality of life during and after cancer. Ann’s Place relies on the generosity of donors to be able to continue providing these services free of charge.
Their mission is to provide comfort, support and resources to people living with cancer and to their loved ones. At Ann's Place, all are welcome.
Visit Allison's fundraising page and support this courageous model and Ann's Place HERE.
For more event information or to purchase tickets please visit the Event Page