Multiple Myeloma patient Marilyn A. Glasgow has had a successful bone marrow transplant overseas and is now back in the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO

Marilyn A. Glasgow’s employers of nearly 7 years, Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina, held a fundraising event on March 12, 2020 at Scrub Island and nearly $23,000 in donations were made towards Glasgow’s surgery. Photo: Facebook/GoFundMele

Marilyn A. Glasgow in February 2020, prior to her surgery. Photo: VINO

Funds raised, a successful surgery was performed overseas late last year and an eternally grateful Glasgow is back home.

The St Lucia national, Ms Glasgow, who has been in the Virgin Islands over 30 years now, had told reporters at a fundraiser for her benefit at Mala’s Bar in Baughers Bay on Friday, January 31, 2020, that prior to being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma she was hardly ill but had since weakened and was unable to work.

A recovering Ms Glasgow shared her story with Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).

'Divinely obligated' to tell story

“Understanding and adjusting to a condition always pose a challenge especially when it’s a posited unforeseen medical condition. No two cancer patients are alike and neither is their treatment journey. Each patient journey, though, has some common traits, strength, determination, persistence and sense of hope in the battle against cancer. I Marilyn Glasgow feel divinely obligated to tell my story as a tribute and inspiration to all patients and prospective patients who are suffering from a medical challenge especially cancer.

It all started one quiet morning with a suspected pinched muscle strain in my lower back while removing a stone in front of my home. During this time, it was perceived to be a muscle strain and was treated as such and so my medical interventions were localised by using the common muscle pain pharmaceutical rubs in an attempt to assuage the problem. Unfortunately, the pain grew so uncontrollably painful, that I was admitted at Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where numerous tests were conducted revealing a number of fractures to the lower spinal vertebrae. Due to the suspected finding at the time, I was subjected to immediate professional counsel and was referred to an Oncologist for expert specialisation intervention, for I was suspected to be suffering from a rare blood cancer called Multiple Myeloma.

Devastated

At this point, my mental state had juggled from being, anxious, to distraught, to devastated, to worry: all within the sphere of psychological derangement. I Didn’t know what to think, what to do, except, just needed as much comfort, support and guidance in chattering the way forward with this imminent medical challenge.

I must thank God and give Him praise for providing such immeasurable level of support from my friends and family during this time, and that He had already established a great light at the end of this unfathomable medical condition of Multiple Myeloma.

Successful surgery

And so my spirit was lifted, after my oncologist evaluation and prescription showed that my medical condition was lifesaving; however, the journey would begin with a very costly procedure requiring a Bone Marrow Transplant (a procedure called Stem Cell Transplantation) and would have to be done at the Emory Hospital in Atlanta Georgia (the cheapest within the region with a proven specialised track record).

Within my comprehension this large sum of money seemed insurmountable at the time, having discovered that my National Health Insurance doesn’t cover such a procedure. However, through the phenomenal efforts and contribution of family from all over, friends from all over, co- workers, the Government and the entire BVI community, we were able to raise the required amount for the procedure.

I am happy to report that the procedure was successfully done and I am back home in the British Virgin Islands still within the stipulated time of remission.

Gratitude

I would like to take this opportunity to show the deepest gratitude to all those wonderful many people within the BVI and beyond who extended words of comfort, inspiration, prayers and financial Aid during this challenging journey.

I would also like to advise everyone to be safe during this pandemic environment by adhering and following the protocols and praying for the nation.”

Good Samaritans

Meanwhile, a number of Good Samaritans came Ms Glasgow’s way during her time of affliction, including her employers of nearly 7 years, Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina, who held a fundraising event on March 12, 2020, at Scrub Island.

The event raised nearly $23,000 in donations.

See links to related articles:

1. Waitress needs $200,000 for bone marrow transplant

2. Scrub Island Resort raises over $22K for staff with multiple myeloma