Peter’s Journey: Hope After a Stem Cell Transplant for Myelofibrosis

As part of our MPN Hope Series, we share the inspiring testimony of Peter Lercher, an Italian patient first diagnosed with polycythemia vera who later progressed to myelofibrosis. Four years ago, Peter received a life-changing stem cell transplant.

He recalls the hardest moments: the chemotherapy that wiped out his bone marrow, weeks in isolation without defenses, pneumonia, and the loss of strength and muscle mass. “I had to learn to walk again, like a child,” he explains.

The transplant, from a young German donor who was a 100% match, was not painful itself but involved uncertainty and a long recovery. For more than a year he needed immunosuppressive therapy and frequent transfusions until his body began to produce cells on its own.

"A transplant changes your life. It is like having a second birthday. I am grateful to still be here, to speak, share, and give hope to other patients". - Peter Lercher

👉 First part of Peter’s story is now available: 

The following parts, including his reflections on hope and community, are available exclusively on MPN World.

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