When Gail Breedlove found out that she had a rare blood disorder at the age of 38, she was devastated. Now, after living with the disorder for the past 14 years, she has learned that a bone marrow transplant could rid her of the disease. In hopes of recouping some of the costs associated with the transplant, Breedlove’s daughter, Heather Holland, is hosting a garage sale on Saturday.

Breedlove, 52, suffers from Polychythemia Vera, a blood disorder causing the excessive production of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Although she has been able to control the disease, it has gotten progressively worse.

“In September of last year, I had a little scare that prompted me to seek a specialist in San Francisco,” Breedlove said. “I’ve found out that the only way I can survive is to have a bone marrow transplant. I’ll have to relocate to San Francisco for four to six months to receive treatment.”

While seeing the specialist in San Francisco, Breedlove learned of a non-profit organization that helps people in need of a transplant pay for their procedure.

“The National Foundation for Transplants is a nonprofit organization that helps patients fundraise to cover their out-of-pocket expenses,” marketing director for NFT Mandy Scherer said. “Many times, patients find that their insurance will not cover the costs of a transplant, or insurance will cover only a portion of the expenses. Even with ‘good’ insurance coverage, patients often face tremendous expenses, from pre-transplant evaluations, post-transplant follow-up care, anti-rejection medications, travel, etcetera.”

Breedlove does have health insurance, but it will only cover a portion of the procedure.

“The average bone marrow transplant costs $600,000,” Scherer said. That cost does not include living expenses or other expenses that Breedlove will incur.

“For bone marrow patients, it’s fairly common to face battles with insurance companies, as many insurance companies still consider bone marrow transplants to be experimental, although these transplants have been performed for many years and are proven to be effective treatments for a number of illnesses,” Scherer said.

“We’re hoping to raise around $35,000,” Holland said. “This garage sale is one of a few fundraisers we have planned to raise the money.” Later this month, Holland will host a car wash and she plans on doing another garage sale later in the summer as well as a bake sale.

Holland said that NFT has drafted press released, made flyers and has come up with fundraiser ideas.

“I wouldn’t have had any idea where to start if we didn’t have help,” Holland said.

Holland was 16 when her mother was diagnosed, and said that the disease has been “really devastating for us as a family,” but added that it has brought the family closer together.

“They’re getting her in before it gets really bad,” Holland said. “We’re just trying to stay positive.”

Breedlove has worked for the Peppermill Hotel Casino for the past 17 years and hopes that she will be able to continue working until she receives the transplant. After the transplant, though, it may be a full year before she is able to work again.

“A lot of people have donated goods for the garage sale,” Breedlove said. “So many people in the community have been really nice about donating items.”

The garage sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2865 Cintoia Drive in Sparks. Items for sale include books; adult, children’s and maternity clothing; DVDs; household items; small appliances; toys; and more. The Grups, a local band, will perform at 10 a.m.

For more information about the sale, call Heather at 224-9675. To make a donation for Breedlove, visit www.transplants.org and click on “patients we help” to search for her.