Life can change at a moment’s notice, and it was March 2021 when life changed suddenly for Courtenay’s 28-year-old daughter, Alexandra. An onset of random bruising and a severe headache prompted Alexandra to immediately go to the hospital. It was then that she was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and within hours was transferred to another hospital where she would begin her treatment right away. 

Alexandra stayed at the hospital for one month as she completed her initial treatments. After she was discharged from inpatient care, she began an eight-month outpatient treatment regimen.

A doctor herself

Alexandra was no stranger to hospitals, though. At the time of her diagnosis, she had completed medical school and was already a new surgical resident. Going through her own treatment helped her decide on her future medical specialty: surgical oncology.

Today, 32-year-old Alexandra is healthy and thriving. After a month post-treatment, Alexandra found out she was pregnant and now has two healthy, beautiful sons, born 16-months apart, and is busy with both her career and her family. To ensure she remains healthy and cancer-free, Alexandra continues to have periodic medical appointments.

“When my daughter was diagnosed in March 2021, she became the third family member who had been diagnosed with leukemia,” said Courtenay. “Both my great, great grandfather and an uncle had passed away due to the disease. And now Alexandra had been diagnosed with it. The fear and hopelessness I felt was unreal.”

Helping others: making a difference

Knowing the effect leukemia has had on her family members and the battle that others facing this disease go through, Courtenay wanted to do something to help make a difference.

“I wanted to give back and help others who are facing their own fight against leukemia,” said Courtenay.

With this goal in mind, she researched various leukemia organizations and found the Leukemia Research Foundation — it was a perfect fit.

“It felt a tiny bit better to be proactive in my own way, and I knew the Leukemia Research Foundation was doing wonderful things,” said Courtenay. “That is why I became a donor.” 

The Leukemia Research Foundation offers grants to medical researchers to expand treatment options and move closer to a cure. It also helps those who have been diagnosed with leukemia.

“The treatment that saved Alexandra’s life was only 10 years post-development at the time,” said Courtenay. “I will continue to donate to the Foundation, as I am aware of the power of science. I thank God for those people in the labs.”