In October 2017, my wife Robyn Oshita passed away after a valiant two-and-a-half month battle against acute myeloid leukemia (AML). She was a loving wife, mother, and friend to everyone she met.
Up until she was diagnosed, Robyn had been healthy all her life. In July 2017, after telling her cardiologist that she was experiencing shortness of breath and bruising easily, the doctor ordered her to have complete blood work done prior to her having a cardio-catheter exam. When the results came back, it was discovered that her platelets were low (10,000 versus a normal range of 150,000 - 450,000).
Two weeks later after having a bone marrow biopsy, Robyn was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) with a low number of blasts cells (<5). We were told her MDS was expected to convert to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) within seven months if left untreated. Unfortunately, her MDS converted to AML in two months where she required both blood and human leucocyte antigen (HLA) platelet transfusions twice a week due to the platelet antibodies that had formed.
In an effort to honor Robyn and continue her legacy of helping others, the Oshita family started a foundation to provide support to families battling MDS and AML so that they will not have to undergo the pain and heartbreak our family experienced.