Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Dear Jon and Kate,
My friend Michelle, 26 years old, is suffering from Leukemia. She was diagnosed about 7 months ago. In between tutoring at a elementary school, volunteering at the Asian American Donor Program and visits to the hospital, Michelle discovered Jon & Kate Plus 8 last year, and it quickly became one of her favorite shows.
In her own words from her blog dated November 27, 2007:
".... It makes me really happy that I am able to dedicate myself to some great organizations. (Now I don't feel so guilty about all of my hours spent watching the Food Network channel and my new favorite reality show Jon & Kate Plus 8.) ...."
Initial chemo treatments worked and her cancer was sent into remission. However, Michelle has recently relapsed and to compound matters doctors have found a brain tumor this time. It is a difficult time for her and her family, but Michelle has not given up and we have not given up. We remain on a mission to find her a donor, and she keeps fighting for her life. Even through all the treatments and pain, she hasn't stopped smiling and laughing. Please watch this video to get a sense of her wonderfully funny personality and to see her beautiful smile -- even while she's undergoing chemo treatment. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcWTNsZARKk
Michelle does not know that I've tried to contact you. I would love to be able to surprise her with a video of your family wishing her well or even a simple autographed phsoto or poster. It would mean so much to her. Watching your show has confirmed how much she wants to have kids, and she's determine to beat this disease so she can live out her dream of raising a family.
Ideally, we would love to use your show to help promote the need for minority bone marrow donors and to help find a match for Michelle, but I know that may be too much to ask for. Only approximately 30% of minorities are able to find a match because of the severe shortage of donors.
I would greatly appreciate anything you could do to help lift Michelle's spirit or to help find her a donor. Thank you so much for taking time out to read this email.
www.projectmichelle.com
Sincerely,
Hoason Lee
