While vacationing in New Mexico during the Christmas holidays in 2015, Amanda noticed some bleeding from her gums. Upon returning to San Antonio from vacation, she saw her dentist, he told her it was an infection, gave her some antibiotics and made an appointment the following week for a deep cleaning. Yet, the bleeding continued for six days. Later that week, Amanda got dressed she noticed bruises throughout her legs. A family friend who was an R.N. suggested she go to the ER, the symptoms seemed to be platelet related.

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After seeing the Dr. at the ER she was admitted to Methodist, and was instantly put on chemo. On January 3rd, 2016 she was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia, with 90% of her bone marrow producing bad blood. She was later transferred to M.D. Anderson where she received experimental treatment consisting of Arsenic Trioxide and ATRA. In March of 2016 she was in remission, she continued 8 more rounds of chemo and in October, 8 months after being diagnosed she was declared Cured!

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Amanda is now an advocate for health, wellness, and finding a cure for blood cancer and all cancers alike. She continues to fight by raising money for cancer research.

 

"Just because my Fight is done, doesn't mean the Fight is over. I will continue to Fight for my fellow blood brothers and sisters until Leukemia no longer exisits. Cancer can happen to anyone, it has no preference in race, nor does it care if you are rich or poor. If it were not for cancer research I would not be here today."

-Amanda Ramirez