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Cancer

Helping Dad beat leukemia: Jon and Chuck’s story

Cancer

Chuck Dandridge was 62, felt healthy, and exercised regularly. Yet a routine check-up for his cholesterol levels revealed a far more serious problem – leukemia.

Now he is cancer-free thanks to his son, Jon, who donated stem cells to his dad. "Giving my dad the same gift of life that he gave me when he brought me into this world was the most amazing feeling a son could have," said Jon. "I always wondered how I could give something back to my parents who have given me so much."

In three two-hour infusions at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital in July 2015, Chuck received the life-giving transplant from his 31-year-old son. "My skin is my own DNA, but inside, I'm all Jon," said Chuck. "I have my son Jon's DNA in my blood stream, bone marrow, and immune system."

A Family Affair: The Dandridges


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