Move for MDS Walk Raises Awareness and Funds for Rare Blood Cancer in Tampa

Move for MDS Walk

• 🚶‍♀️ The Move for MDS walk took place at Al Lopez Park in Tampa, aiming to raise awareness and funds for Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS).
• 🎯 The MDS Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by MDS, a rare blood cancer.

Importance of Awareness and Research

• 💡 Events like the walk are crucial for raising awareness and supporting research to find better treatment options for MDS.
• 💰 Funds raised contribute to improving patient outcomes and driving advancements in MDS care.

Personal Connections to MDS

• 🩺 Eileen Sergiara, a registered nurse working in oncology, was inspired to pursue a healthcare career after her father's lymphoma diagnosis.
• 🎗️ Her father was later diagnosed with MDS, which progressed to AML, highlighting the lack of public knowledge about MDS.

Spreading the Word and Donor Importance

• 👑 Sergiara, competing for the Miss Florida crown, is using her platform to spread awareness about MDS.
• 🔬 Currently, the only cure for MDS is a bone marrow transplant, emphasizing the critical need for more donors.
• ✅ Increased donor participation can make a significant difference in saving lives affected by MDS.