Planning today to save lives tomorrow

"You have MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome), and it appears to be aggressive. At your age (71), there are just a few choices for you to consider..."

Sitting in his doctor's office, Gregg Cesario was stunned to hear his diagnosis. Over the last two years, he had biked over 10,000 miles and had no symptoms. Once the initial shock subsided, Gregg decided to fight—and the marrow donor search was on. After four months of searching, a perfect marrow match was identified, and Gregg underwent a marrow transplant.

Fast-forward two years later: Gregg's transplant was successful, and he is back to living his normal life. After learning a little more about the organization that helped save him, Gregg decided it was important to give back. He reached out to NMDP to learn more about making a planned gift.

"Anybody who is a marrow recipient should know what NMDP does to secure a transplant for them. Giving is the best way to bring awareness to the cause," Gregg says.

Planned giving is often low on people's list of things to think about. To those on the fence about making a planned gift, Gregg says, "I never thought I would use my long-term health care policy when I bought it. You can't predict, you can only plan. If anyone has any financial resources, this is your opportunity to plan. It isn't for you, but it is for your legacy."

Gregg didn't plan on needing a marrow transplant, but he is planning to pay his good fortune forward—by helping others for many years to come.

Gregg's life was saved because people like you invested in the promise of a cure. Give a planned gift to NMDP and you, too, can create a legacy that saves lives. Contact Amy Bigot at amy.bigot@nmdp.org or (763) 406-8725 | Toll Free: (800) 507-54271.