**Father’s Fight Against Rare Blood Disorder Sparks Remarkable Recovery Journey**
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Michael Lomonaco, a 55-year-old father of three, captured his harrowing journey with AL amyloidosis, a rare and serious blood disorder that left him grappling with his health as he sought to support his son in meeting the fitness requirements for Air Force training. His experiences serve as a poignant reminder of resilience in the face of daunting health challenges.
Lomonaco’s struggles began in March 2024, shortly after his son enlisted in the U.S. military. In an effort to bond with his son, Lomonaco endeavoured to improve his fitness levels. “I’ve always disliked running, but I wanted to match my son’s military training,” he recounted. However, what he expected to be a journey of improvement quickly turned into a distressing fight for breath. Despite increasing his running and strength training, his fitness did not improve; instead, he found himself gasping for air during even short runs.
A worry for his wellbeing prompted a conversation with his wife, who advised him to seek medical help. He recognised her concerns and arranged consultations with various health professionals, only to encounter frustration as numerous tests failed to provide a clear diagnosis. “After almost a year of tests and expenses, I felt like giving up,” Lomonaco said, reflecting on his experience of battling undiagnosed health issues.
The turning point arrived in early 2025 when a tax accountant described her own health struggles, which ultimately led Lomonaco to a new cardiologist. This specialist suspected AL amyloidosis and recommended further tests, leading to referrals for advanced cardiac care. “I thought it was odd because I didn’t feel like my heart had failed, but I quickly realised how much I had to learn,” he revealed. Subsequent tests confirmed the initial suspicions, and he was started on heart failure medications as a precaution before being referred to an oncologist for chemotherapy.
AL amyloidosis, defined by the Cleveland Clinic as a rare condition that can severely impair organ function, was once considered virtually untreatable. However, Lomonaco was determined to fight back. After some hesitation, he entered a six-month chemotherapy regimen beginning in March 2025. Though the treatment reduced his biomarkers significantly, he was not yet in remission by the end of the chemotherapy.
Hope was reignited when Lomonaco learned of CAR-T therapy, a promising treatment for AL amyloidosis that had recently gained FDA approval. After his chemotherapy, he was deemed a suitable candidate for a clinical trial at Ohio State University Medical Centre, where his immune cells were reengineered to combat the disease. A mere week later, his biomarkers plummeted to zero, and just a month later, a bone marrow biopsy confirmed he was in full remission.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Lomonaco described the fear and challenges he faced: “At the worst point, I struggled to walk from my car to my desk without needing to stop to catch my breath. It was very humbling and scarier than any horror movie.” Today, he finds immense satisfaction in his recovery, celebrating each milestone.
Now in good health, Lomonaco is focusing on returning to his fitness routine and has set a personal goal of completing a 5K run. “I have a renewed appreciation for every bit of progress,” he shares. From bench-pressing 225 lbs to re-engaging in cardio activities, he continues to build his strength. “My running is not where I want it to be yet, but it is an improvement from how I was feeling two to three years ago.”
As he navigates this new chapter in his life, Lomonaco expresses gratitude not only for his health but also for the support of his family, including his 21-year-old son and his two daughters, aged 17 and 20. His journey emphasises the importance of being proactive about one’s health and the potential for recovery, even against the odds. Lomonaco’s story serves as an inspiration to many facing their own health battles, illustrating that hope and perseverance can lead to astonishing outcomes.