Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a group of rare blood cancers that affect around 3 per 100,000 people in the UK. These include Essential Thrombocythemia (ET); Polycythaemia Vera (PV); and Myelofibrosis (MF). Patients often experience life limiting symptoms and treatments vary depending on the type of MPN, genetic mutations present and severity of disease. There is little information on the causes of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Patients often ask why do I have this disease? and for the majority there is no obvious reason. The aim of the MOSAICC Study is to identify factors that may cause MPNs in order to identify ways to prevent it. 

On May 10th I will be donning my helmet and harness to abseil 160ft down the front of St Thomas' Hospital to raise awareness about MPNs and to raise funds towards research into what causes these rare blood cancers. Despite vertigo and a fear of heights I feel strangely excited about the prospect of abseiling! It is really motivating to be able to positively contribute towards furthering knowledge of these diseases. 

In Nov 2018, after 9 years of unexplained symptoms, I was diagnosed with ET JAK2+. This chronic condition causes uncontrolled production of platelets putting sufferers at risk of strokes and other complications. Having MPN Voice, and the wealth of information they provide available to us, has been an invaluable support to my family & I. Being able to find some answers about MPNs and to know that a huge amount of research is being carried out, gives great hope for the future for earlier diagnosis and better treatments.

Please give generously and support me in my abseil for MPN voice's MOSAICC study on May 10th so that the MOSAICC study has the funding to continue research into the factors causing these rare blood cancers and to develop the means to prevent them. 

Thank you to everyone who has donated so generously and helped me reach my target!!