A strong faith and a sense of humor are Celia Pinson Iskandar's daily companions.

Iskandar is just 23-years-old and has mycosis fungoides, a rare form of lymphomatic cancer that typically strikes older men.

"She's a very easy person to love," says Iskandar's mother, Maxine Pinson. "She has that type of radiance."

Iskandar is the daughter of Newnan native Billy Pinson. Iskandar's grandmother, Ola Pinson, and aunt, Debbie Glover, still live in Newnan.

Diagnosed with mycosis fungoides at the age of 21, Iskandar has undergone radiation and chemotherapy treatments. A bone marrow transplant at the M. D. Anderson Clinic in Houston, Texas is her only hope for recovery.

The transplant will cost $302,000.00, and Iskandar has no medical insurance. The family established a medical fund and so far has raised $60,000.00.

"There have been so many checks from people we don't even know," said Maxine Pinson. The family has been amazed by the support offered from both friends and strangers.

Iskandar spends part of her time in Savannah, where her parents live now, and some in South Carolina with husband Antoine.

The couple had only been married a few months when Iskandar's cancer was discovered. "He has been totally devoted to her," said Pinson of her son-in-law.

Last week, Iskandar's physicians located a perfect bone marrow match. The transplant will likely be scheduled for mid-July.

Newnan residents who would like to help with the medical costs can make a tax-deductible donation to "Help Save One of Our Own Foundation" f/b/o Celia Pinson Iskandar, Interstate/Johnson Lane, 200 Meeting St., Charleston, SC 29401.

Any money not used for Iskandar's medical costs will help other cancer patients.
 

Reprinted with permission.