Niles Relay walker saved by donated umbilical cord cells

By SEAN BARRON

news@vindy.com

NILES

Photo

Jeff Lange | The Vindicator FRI, APRIL 29, 2016 - Ten month leukemia surivor Sarah D'Errico of Niles dances as she walks in the Niles Relay For Life Friday evening at Infante Wellness Center.

Somewhere out there is a woman who recently gave birth and who is Sarah D’Errico’s lifelong hero - even though the two have never met.

“She gave life twice: She gave life to her child and to me,” the Niles woman said, holding back tears. “Without her donation, I wouldn’t be here.”

D’Errico, who was diagnosed Feb. 20, 2015, with acute myeloid leukemia, was referring to the woman who, after having her baby, donated her umbilical cord. Since no matches were found for D’Errico to undergo a bone-marrow transplant, the stem cells from the woman’s umbilical cord were used last year to treat her cancer, she explained.

It’s unlikely the two will meet, however, because protocol for such a procedure requires confidentiality, D’Errico noted.

AML is a form of blood and bone-marrow cancer in which an excess of white blood cells spreads quickly and interferes with the production of normal platelets as well as red and white blood cells.

To celebrate being cancer-free, D’Errico joined an estimated 250 cancer survivors, caretakers, loved ones and others in Friday’s 2016 Niles Relay for Life at the Infante Wellness Center, 213 Sharkey Drive. The event continues through noon today.

The annual fundraiser’s major goals were to raise greater awareness of the disease, honor survivors and caregivers, remember those who lost the battle to cancer and bring in $60,000 for the American Cancer Society, noted Patrice Kish, event chairwoman.

D’Errico recalled having been covered with mysterious bruises before finding out she was “filled with 80 to 90 percent cancer” after her diagnosis. She spent about seven months at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland and underwent a series of five rounds of chemotherapy, D’Errico continued.

She also expressed gratitude for being cancer-free and for the support of family, friends, in-laws and loved ones, many of whom took care of her during her illness and accompanied her at the Relay for Life gathering.

“I’m blessed to have such a support team,” D’Errico said, adding that she hopes to return to work as a teacher next fall.

Most walkers were on “Amazing Adventures,” “Niles Key Club,” “Team Angels,” “Team Diane’s” and “Niles City School Teachers,” the five teams that participated. Others walked individually on behalf of someone who has or had the disease.

Enjoying a double celebration were Ray and Mary McClimans of Niles, both of whom are cancer survivors and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

“I had major surgery from my cheek to my eye,” Mary said, referring to her treatment after having been diagnosed eight years ago with squamous cell carcinoma, a type of cancer that forms in the skin’s outer layer.

A recent routine checkup showed the beginning of another growth, but her doctor froze it, Mary explained.

Sixteen years ago, Ray learned he had prostate cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which starts in the lymphatic system.

“Right now, everything seems to be in remission,” said Ray, who retired after having worked 40 years as a machinist and a maintenance technician.

Ray added that he feels well for the most part and is happy to be there for Mary.

Receiving a special honorary award during the Relay for Life was Sean Crean of Niles, a cancer survivor who has been a source of inspiration and has helped others with the disease, said Chairwoman Kish.

Also at the Relay for Life was information on caregiver support groups, a variety of merchandise for sale, basket raffles and a photo album filled with pictures and information on people who have lost their battle with cancer.

Regardless of the effectiveness of one’s treatment for the disease, nothing is more valuable than maintaining hope and a positive attitude, along with a strong support network, Kish said.

“The comfort of having someone care for you is the best feeling in the world,” she added.