Jordan Jemsek

Jordan Jemsek is a seven-year-old who loves making new friends, playing with Barbie dolls, and performing original songs for captivated audiences. She has also battled to save her life.
During the summer of 2009, Jordan began losing her appetite, didn’t have her typical high level of energy, and was starting to show bruises on her arms and legs. Since Jordan is typically very upbeat and outgoing, these signs worried her parents greatly. In obtaining blood test results, the family’s worst fear became a reality: Jordan was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). AML is a disease most commonly found in adults; only around 500 children are diagnosed with AML each year.
In September 2009, Jordan began her treatment at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, NC. She endured months of grueling chemotherapy and treatment, which included multiple bone marrow biopsies and blood transfusions. She was declared to be in remission in April 2010 and was sent home on Easter day, making the holiday very joyous and special for her family. That June, the Jemsek family enjoyed a trip to Walt Disney World, courtesy of Make-A-Wish BMCF.
However, Jordan’s time at home and getting to act like a normal kid was cut short once again. She had just returned to kindergarten and loved spending the school day with friends. But upon getting a cold that she just couldn’t get rid of, her family began to worry that the AML had returned. Testing done in late November 2010 confirmed just that: Jordan had relapsed with AML.
The fight to save her life continued as Jordan had a bone marrow transplant in March 2011 at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC. Though a perfect match was not found, the transplant process continued with the closest match they had. After several weeks of waiting, Jordan’s body showed signs of acceptance and the transplant has been a success! Jordan returned home to Charlotte in July 2011 and continues to improve. She loves being at home with her new puppy, Kirby, getting to play outdoors, and spending time with her friends!
In order to help with the increasing medical expenses surrounding her transplant, Jordan’s family have teamed with the Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation to set up a special One-to-One Fund to collect donations on her behalf. The Jemsek family is extremely grateful to everyone who has offered, and continues to offer, their support.
For further updates on Jordan and additional photos, please visit her CaringBridge website at caringbridge.org/visit/jordanjemsek.
Click here to contribute to Jordan’s One-to-One Fund
Or you can send a check, payable to the Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation.
Be sure to include Jordan’s name on the front of the check.
Send check to:
the Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation
515 Madison Avenue, Suite 1130
New York, New York 10022