Young Mom From Manalapan Shares Her Survival Story

Amanda Ferraro is a two-time cancer survivor and transplant recipient with a 6-year old son who wrote a book about his mom being sick. Now she is sharing her story of hope.

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month and Amanda has been honored as a hero by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) New Jersey Chapter.

In 2017 when Amanda was 29 years old and her son was only 3, she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She was treated with chemotherapy in hopes that she would go into remission.

But just six months after she was told that she was “cancer free”, she relapsed. This time she had only a 10% chance to live and her oncologist suggested a stem cell transplant to save her life. So after a second round of chemo, her oncology team inquired about a stem cell donor through Be The Match.

A young man in Italy turned out to be a perfect match, and at the end of November 2018 she received a brand new immune system along with new DNA!

During this time Amanda started a website with an impactful title (to say the least) and began to freelance-write about her journey and all things cancer. Throughout herr recovery she had several articles published and gained some amazing friends, one of whom nominated her for Honored Hero through the LLS.

And then there's here little boy's book My Mom Got Sick.

Amanda Ferraro and Her Son pictured on the cover of his book.

Amanda was treated at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Rutgers Cancer Institute and now her mission is to raise awareness about blood cancer as well as raise money for the LLS to fund research for new medications and clinical trials and assistance for blood cancer patients.

On September 23rd Amanda met with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Manalapan Township at the Town Hall to accept a proclamation of town wide support. Mayor McNaboe and Deputy Mayor Susan Cohen also named an official, town-wide day to draw attention to this great cause.

Amanda being honored by Manalapan Mayor Jack McNaboe

Wear Orange Day for Leukemia will be held in Manalapan on Wednesday, Oct. 14th, in the hopes of raising funds for Amanda's Team Cancer Crusaders. So I say that ALL of us in Monmouth County wear orange that day and please click on Amanda's Cancer Crusaders HERE and add yourself to her team to donate. All funds will be going directly to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

There is also a Light The Night virtual walk on Oct. 17th that you and your kids can take part in no matter where you are! CLICK HERE to join.

You have fought hard your whole life, Amanda, so here's hoping that you stay healthy and happy from here on out :)