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Brenda Donato
 July 6, 1970 – April 14, 2007
Brenda was diagnosed in February 2005 with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). She spent 3 months in the hospital before receiving an autologous stem-cell transplant (with her own stem-cells). After leaving the hospital, she became very active with Team In Training and completed the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in October 2005, the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon in January 2006 and the Wildflower Olympic Distance Triathlon in May 2006. Still feeling healthy, she began to train for the June 2006 Alaska half marathon.
On June 9, 2006, she found out that her cancer had returned. After using her own stem cells for a transplant in 2005 she would require a foreign donor's cells for another stem-cell transplant. Most fortunately, a 9 out of 10 match was found and Brenda had that transplant on September 20, 2006.
"Freakishly Strong"
While recovering, Brenda faced many physical and mental challenges. 110 days after her transplant, Brenda developed graft vs. host disease of the lungs. She bravely battled this new obstacle that reduced her lung capacity to 20% of normal. She passed away on April 14, 2007, surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Brenda leaves behind a husband, 2 spirited boys (Trevor, age 9 and Jarrett, age 6) and continues to have many loving, soothing, supportive family and friends! Brenda LOVED to update her blog (http://myspace.com/10230644) with the many details of her days. Just 2 days before she passed away, she posted this final message:
 Help Lisa Fight Blood Cancers Right Now!!!!
** DONATIONS ACCEPTED HERE!** ***** Every Little Bit Helps.****** ************Thank You.************
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Brenda |