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Hopeful Tomorrows

Rebekah Koch

Every child grows up with carefree hopes and dreams of great adventures and exciting tomorrows. For Rebekah Koch, a 6-year old in Pine Plains, NY, and her family, it would seem that ever day is overshadowed by reminders of the routine blood transfusions she must receive to counteract her debilitating cancer and chemotherapy treatments. Yet, with the help of blood donors, Rebekah's days are filled with family and friends, and her tomorrows are filled with hope.

In February, 2004, Rebekah Koch was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia, a quickly progressing cancer where the blood and bone marrow tissues of the body contain excessive immature white blood cells that crowd healthy white and red blood cells and platelets. It was a diagnosis that turned the Koch family's life upside down. Immediately after her diagnosis, Rebekah began chemotherapy treatments, which she must continue every week for the next two years. Chemotherapy kills cancerous and healthy cells alike, strongly compromising the body's ability to produce healthy blood cells. This has made it necessary for Rebekah to receive blood transfusions to help strengthen her against both her illness and her treatments.

Robert Koch, Rebekah's father, has been a regular blood donor for several years, but never thought about the effect blood donations could have on his life or the life of his child until now. "People should realize that their blood donations are very important [to patients in need]," he says. "Just as Rebekah’s treatments have become routine, blood donors should realize their blood donations should become routine." As Rebekah continues her battle with leukemia, the Kochs are extremely thankful for the amount of community support they have received during their daughter's illness. Robert urges everyone that is eligible to donate blood to do so, saying, "You never know when a close family member or loved one may depend on it."