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| Eileen Soukbandith |
As a San Diego native of twenty-seven years, Eileen began her journey with the San Diego Women’s Council for City of Hope by being a Cancer Survivor herself.
Eileen had her mind set on her biology degree in hopes of a career in the medical field. Unfortunately after three years of college, she was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia at the age of 21. At such a young age, she did not know what to expect from the disease.
Her doctor suggested for Eileen to consider a bone marrow transplant (known curable treatment) since she had her young age, strength and a perfect donor match through her sister Kelly on her side. Taking a few weeks to think the treatment over with her family and friends, Eileen agreed to have the treatment done.
Eileen was admitted to City of Hope in August 2003 with her family and friends by her side. Eileen received the utmost care and support from the staff and doctors at the hospital. She spent a total of a month and two weeks at the hospital and was amazed at how she felt more like a friend than a patient.
In September 2004, after 4 weeks of chemotherapy and the bone marrow transplant she was released to return home in San Diego. Eileen developed a different perspective on life and quickly realized she wanted a life where she felt nothing was out of reach. She became involved with the San Diego Women’s Council for City of Hope and has never felt the fulfillment and pride as she does today.