Katherine Green
In June 2021, at just 28 years old, Katherine Green's life was upended by a diagnosis that defied expectations: myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a rare and serious blood disorder. MDS typically affects older adults, making Katherine's case an outlier that was difficult for her doctors to diagnose at first.
A Mysterious Illness: From Fatigue to Diagnosis
Katherine first noticed symptoms in March 2021. What seemed like vague and unrelenting fatigue soon escalated into something far more troubling. Initially, Katherine attributed her symptoms to stress or even a mental health issue, as she battled depression in the past. "I had no idea what was going on," Katherine said. "I thought maybe it was just my hormones or something I could fix on my own."
But as the months passed, she realized something was seriously wrong. "I felt so tired, I could hardly get out of bed. I couldn’t walk across the room without getting winded," she recalled. “Along with the overwhelming exhaustion, I lost my appetite and noticed the yellowing of my eyes—jaundice, a potential sign of liver problems.”
While inconclusive, a blood test from a women’s health panel confirmed something serious was happening. Katherine's hemoglobin levels were dangerously low; her red and white blood cell counts, along with her platelets, were nearly nonexistent.
The Struggle for a Diagnosis
MDS is a rare blood disorder that occurs when the bone marrow produces too many immature blood cells and not enough healthy blood cells, leaving patients highly susceptible to infections, anemia, and bleeding. It is most diagnosed in people over the age of 70, so Katherine's diagnosis at 28 was not just rare—it was almost unheard of. "The first hematologist told me it wasn’t MDS because of my age—I felt lost," Katherine admitted. "I spent the next couple of months being shuffled between doctors and undergoing tests, all while feeling weaker and weaker."
After several failed attempts to pinpoint the exact cause of her symptoms, Katherine's doctors referred her to the University of Florida Health Shands Cancer Hospital, where a more extensive panel and a second bone marrow biopsy finally confirmed she had MDS and a specific gene mutation called RUNX1, which helps control the development of blood cells.
Treatment: A Life-Saving Bone Marrow Transplant
Katherine’s case was high risk and MDS is not a disease with many treatment options—she faced the very real possibility of her condition progressing to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a more aggressive and difficult-to-treat blood cancer. Her only real chance for survival was a bone marrow transplant.
Luckily, her sister was a half-match and able to donate. Just three months after her diagnosis, Katherine froze her eggs and underwent a bone marrow transplant. "The process was grueling, but I knew it was my best shot at life," Katherine said. "I couldn't go outside, and I was only allowed two visitors—it was a very lonely time.”
Katherine leaned on her family and friends and remained focused on staying positive, even in the most challenging moments.
A Remarkable Recovery
Although recovery was not immediate, the progress Katherine made after the transplant was nothing short of remarkable. Within six months of receiving her sister’s bone marrow, tests confirmed that 100% of her bone marrow was now from her sister, and her symptoms of MDS had disappeared.
Looking back, Katherine acknowledges the emotional toll the journey took on her, but she is also profoundly grateful. "Before I got sick, I didn't have much perspective. I was living in a fast-paced world where everything felt urgent. Then, I had to rely on others for everything. Now, I understand that life is fragile. I don't take anything for granted,” she said. "I feel so lucky. Not everyone is as fortunate as I was. The experience was humbling, and it made me realize how much love and support I have."
Future Focused
Today, Katherine is back to living a full life. She remains vigilant about her health, with regular checkups and blood tests, but has emerged from her battle with MDS stronger and more determined than ever.
Katherine's journey has also sparked a desire to raise awareness about MDS and the importance of bone marrow donation. "When I was diagnosed, I didn't know much about bone marrow transplants or how easy it is to get on the donor registry. I want more people to understand that bone marrow donation can save lives; it saved mine."
Her advice to others facing a serious diagnosis is simple yet profound: "It will get better. It might be a long road, but you must stay positive and trust the process. Focus on what you can control, listen to your body, and trust your doctors."
