We're on  Marcia's Side !

Marcia Brunner is a long time community volunteer and one of the founding members of the Phinney Neighborhood Association.

In 1996, she was diagnosed and treated for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Ten months of chemotherapy led to a remission of the disease that lasted for six years. In 2002, anomalies began to appear in her blood. Doctors diagnosed myelodisplastic syndrome, a condition that often results from strong chemotherapy. They recommended a stem cell transplant. Because no donors were available, however, they used cells harvested from Marcia herself in 1996. Once again, the disease was in remission - until recently.

In July, Marcia was again diagnosed with AML and doctors recommended another transplant. This time, however, her own cells are considered too old and too risky. She needs a stem cell donor. This procedure is considered her best chance for survival.

The good news is that two potential donors are being tested. The bad news is that many of the costs associated with stem cell donation are not covered by her insurance, which may mean up to $50,000 in out-of-pocket costs for Marcia and her husband, Dan.

Over the years, Marcia has touched the lives of many of us in the community with her caring and generosity. There is hardly a community event or activity to which Marcia has not contributed time and efforts. She runs errands, makes phone calls, works on the auctions, helps at the local school, is on the board of directors at the senior center, takes care of sick neighbors., the list goes on and on. She does the things that no one else will do. Now it's our turn to help her.

There are a number of ways that you can help:

• Join us at a fundraising dinner in Marcia's honor on Friday, Nov. 17, at 6:30 p.m. at St. John's School, 121 N. 79th St. We are asking for a minimum donation of $100/person (to be paid that night) and hope to raise $15,000. To attend, RSVP by calling (206) 783-2244 or emailing pna@phinneycenter.org
• If you can't come to the dinner but would like to make a contribution, go to www.giftsformarcia.com to donate and keep informed about our efforts.
• If you'd prefer to send a check, make it out to E. Medeiros, FBO Marcia Brunner, and mail it to Gifts for Marcia, c/o PNA, 6532 Phinney Ave N., Seattle, WA 98103.
• Purchase - and wear - a button and/or wristband that was created specifically for Marcia. Only $5 each, they proudly declare "I'm on Marcia's Side." They are available for sale at the Phinney Neighborhood Center, Greenwood Hardware and Metropolis. 
  
• Be a part of the volunteer committee. We can always use more help - and ideas. In addition to the dinner and the buttons and wristbands, we're working on a quilt raffle, a possible benefit performance at Taproot Theatre, a pancake breakfast and/or spaghetti dinner. What would you like to do?
  

We need all the help we can get. Please contact one of us listed below to volunteer or offer fundraising ideas. Together we can make a difference for Marcia and her family during this challenging time.