Michele Rhea

Michele Rhea

Transplant Type:   Stem Cell

What if you were living on borrowed time? 

Michele Rhea has received a second chance. In 2008, she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Michele’s diagnosis was devasting to her family. For the next thirteen years, she underwent multiple radiation and chemotherapy treatments and even participated in clinical trials in an attempt to cure her cancer.  Unfortunately, none of these treatments worked, and doctors said a stem cell transplant was critical to her survival.  

Thankfully, she received her stem cell transplant on September 3, 2020! 

During this difficult time, Michele is grateful for the love and support of her husband, Jessie, her children, family, and friends. Michele and her loved ones are thankful that she received a transplant and is on the road to recovery, but Michele’s journey has not been an easy one. She has had many setbacks and difficulties in the year since she received her new stem cells, yet she remains optimistic.  Michele looks forward to recovering fully from her transplant and spending more time with her family and friends. She is ready to feel like herself again and be able to resume a more active lifestyle, but right now, she needs your help.

Unfortunately, Michele’s new life comes at a very high price.

The average allogenic stem cell transplant costs more than $1 million, and that is only the beginning. Even though she has already had the transplant, and her insurance covered a portion of the transplant costs, Michele still faces significant expenses related to the procedure. Michele had to stop working due to her illness and transplant. In addition, she had to temporarily relocate to be closer to her transplant center for four months, during her recovery, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food, and lodging, further adding to the financial strain.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to the National Foundation for Transplants in honor of Michele.  

If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the National Foundation for Transplants, 3249 W. Sarazen’s Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125.  Please be sure to write "in honor of Michele Rhea” in the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity! 

Transplant Center:   Mayo Clinic Hospital

If you have any questions about The National Foundation for Transplants, feel free to contact the staff at 800-489-3863.