In 1995, a routine blood test changed Diana Gallagher’s life. It revealed that she had developed a rare blood disorder she had never heard of: essential thrombocythemia (ET).

People with ET make too many platelets, parts of the blood that help it clot. An excess of platelets can lead to spontaneous blood clots or bleeding. No one knows what causes the high platelet count, and many have no warning signs that they have the disease.

Stunned by the diagnosis, Gallagher started treatment near her Las Vegas home. In 2001, she moved to Los Angeles and continued care at a local hospital but her condition worsened. Her son heard about City of Hope and “he pleaded with me to go,” she said.

There, she met Leslie L. Popplewell, M.D., clinical associate professor in the Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. “Diana’s condition evolved, and she now has what is called ‘myeloproliferative syndrome,’ which includes excess production of fibrous bone marrow tissue,” Popplewell said.

Several years ago, Gallagher began needing a blood transfusion every few weeks to offset the anemia that can leave her exhausted. In addition, she takes a daily chemotherapy pill to help control her excess platelet production.

She lives almost an hour’s drive away from the Michael Amini Transfusion Medicine Center at City of Hope, but the drive is worth it. “I feel so much better after each transfusion,” she said. “I have energy again.”

Gallagher also takes care of herself with yoga and meditation. For now, her blood counts are up. “Knock wood,” she said, “I went three months between transfusions and I’m feeling good.” She knows that City of Hope — and the people who donate blood and platelets — will be there when she needs them.

“From the bottom of my heart, I thank every one of the people who donate blood,” said Gallagher. “It’s so important. It has saved my life.”