In Memory of Edward Estwanick Jr.
This awareness bracelet is here in Memory of Edward Estwanick, who died on Christmas day after a long and courageous battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS,) surrounded by his wife, children, and adult grandchildren, myself included. He will be missed and loved. (Obituary.)
MDS is considered an "Orphan Disease," meaning that due to low prevalence, and/or low awareness, it has not been adopted" by the pharmaceutical industry because of low anticipated profit in developing treatments or cures. The Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation sells these bracelets to increase awareness and help fund their work as the world's leading nonprofit health organization dedicated to supporting patients and families living with aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), and related bone marrow failure diseases.
The best thing you can do, aside from donating to this cause, is to donate blood to the Red Cross. Patients with MDS rely on frequent blood transfusions for their very survival. Find a Blood Bank or Blood Drive near you.
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