On Christmas Eve 2006, Jackie, at the age of 3, was diagnosed with AML (acute myeloid leukemia); the average age of onset for AML is 62 years of age. Jacqueline had only a 50% chance of survival. Jackie and her mother relocated to Philadelphia in March 2007 so that Jackie would receive the best possible treatment, leaving all friends & family behind, including her 2 older sisters. Jackie endured months of harsh chemotherapy, bone marrow aspirates, spinal taps, and was even put on a ventilator at one point, but she continued to fight….and won. Jackie achieved remission, and was back home with her sisters and back with her dog, Sully. Sadly, their reunion did not last for only 5 months later Jackie, shortly after her 5th birthday, relapsed in February, 2008. Jackie’s relapse included THREE brain tumors (chloromas), plus cancer in her central nervous system, peripheral blood and bone marrow. Jackie’s chances of survival were not good. Jackie fought harder than ever living in the hospital with her mother for four straight months as she endured even more chemotherapy, weekly spinal taps, bone marrow aspirates, total body irradiation and an unrelated stem cell transplant. Jackie beat all odds yet again and achieved complete remission. Today, Jackie suffers many post-treatment issues including severe neuropathy and still requires monthly IV transfusions. However, a smile is never far from her face. Jacqueline pushes through each day by paying it forward to others. She says helping others makes her feel better and has formed a 501c3 organizatoin to help her reach more people. Jackie is a hero; she is a warrior; she IS a survivor. To read more about how Jackie is paying it forward please go to www.payitforwardwithjackie.org

Signed,
Cyndi Poeggel