Memoriam
By: Mara Cohn
Beverly J. Weiss, my mother, was diagnosed with PV in her mid-50’s. With the help of her hematologist and chemotherapy she was able to maintain her quality of life for another two decades. She was a single, active woman who enjoyed life and was busy – first with her career, then after retirement with travel and dance.
She had more friends than anyone I’ve every known, including early childhood friends, school friends, college friends, work friends, and neighbors. She was a great mother to her four children and grandmother to 7. When she was in her late 60’s, her PV transitioned and she developed myelofibrosis. After the suicide of a close friend, she seemed to become very ill. It was not very long before she died of complications of myelofibrosis on October 13, 1998.
It is amazing to me, as my family and I reach the 10th anniversary of the death of my dear mother, how much has happened with MPDs since she died. I am sincerely thankful to the organization, the researchers and to all of the donors to this organization.
Contributed by Jennifer Acker
These represent first person accounts of real people living with Essential Thrombocythemia, Polycythemia Vera and Myelofibrosis. It does not represent the views or opinions of anyone associated with the MPN Research Foundation. Please consult your doctor before taking any action to manage your health.