"Faith, Family And Friends" During Pandemic Sustains Cancer Patient In Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – Rosemary Albright is taking it day-by-day as she recovers in isolation following a high-risk bone marrow transplant at Franciscan Health Indianapolis Cancer Center.

The 49-year-old Columbus native was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia on January 2 and admitted into the hospital a day after. She then started 24 days of induction chemotherapy followed by seven sessions of outpatient therapy. By early-March, Albright completed a round of consolidation chemo to successfully place her cancer in remission. Now, as of April 15, she is back at the Cancer Center for 30 days of isolation which will continue at home for six months after her release.

"I'm praying for patience because I know this is a process," said Albright. "Due to COVID-19 and all of the restrictions in place, patients are not allowed visitation. It has definitely been hard."

To keep spirits high throughout this difficult time, friends and family frequent her window and wave from the hospital's parking lot. Albright looks forward to visits from her husband Todd, daughters Madison (Maddie) and Macy, son-in-law Connor, as well as their puppies. She also communicates with loved ones using video applications such as Zoom and FaceTime. Never missing a beat.

"It really does come down to your faith, family and friends," she said. "This journey has allowed me to prioritize what is important in my life. You don't realize it until something like this happens to you."

Albright reminisced on the surprise drive-by parade she received just one day prior to being admitted. Maddie and Albright's sister, Ginger, helped organize a 121-car procession with the help of their nephew, Robert Hutson who is a state trooper and led the event. It included extended family, neighbors, church members and even coworkers from Jackson Elementary School in Seymour where she teaches kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade English Second Language students.

Visitors traveled from as far as Kentucky to wish her well. And although several gifts were collected from the celebration, Albright could only take the posters her nieces created to decorate her hospital room. She chuckled as she recalled all the compliments received from staff regarding her festive décor.

"I just want everyone to know how much I love them and cannot wait to thank them in person," said Albright. "I want to hug and tell them how grateful I am. When that day comes, it will be a blessed day."

Following isolation, the thing she looks forward to most is planning Maddie's baby shower in October. Her first grandchild is due November15, and Albright has been working diligently to make a puppy-themed latch hook rug to welcome the bundle of joy.

She said, "I think my medical team is doing everything they can for the best possible outcome. And the rest is prayers … we've got plenty of those. People we don't even know are praying."