Maine Lawmaker Maggie O’Neil Faces Rare Cancer Diagnosis, Seeks Bone Marrow Donor for Life-Saving Treatment

Former Maine State Representative Maggie O’Neil, who served in the Legislature for eight years, has been dealt a tough hand after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a rare form of blood cancer. O’Neil, who was wrapping up her fourth and final term in the Legislature, has faced a significant life change after her diagnosis in December 2024. The 35-year-old had been preparing for a shift in her career, focusing on practicing civil rights and labor law, but the unexpected health crisis has now forced her to focus on fighting for her life.

A Shocking Diagnosis

O’Neil’s health issues began toward the end of the year. After feeling unusually tired, she decided to visit a doctor on December 7. Initially thinking she might have low iron levels, the diagnosis came as a shock when she was told she had acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML affects the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow and is uncommon, particularly in younger individuals like O’Neil.

Instead of starting a new chapter in her career, O’Neil found herself fighting for her life. She spent nearly 40 days at Maine Medical Center and returned home in mid-January. However, her battle is far from over as she prepares for additional chemotherapy treatments and visits to Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The next step in her treatment will require finding a bone marrow donor.

The Search for a Donor

O’Neil is hopeful that a bone marrow donor will come forward to help her win this fight. The donor must be between the ages of 18 and 40, and the match could potentially come from O’Neil’s younger brother, cousins, or even strangers who are willing to help. The need for a match is critical as she continues her treatment.

Family and friends have rallied around O’Neil during this difficult time, offering both emotional and financial support. In an effort to spread awareness about her condition and the need for bone marrow donors, her father, Chris O’Neil, also a former state representative, shared a photo of his daughter on Facebook along with a link to the national bone marrow donor registry. Since the post, more than 1,100 people have shared it, and the efforts to find a donor continue to gain momentum.

Support from All Corners

O’Neil has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from her family, friends, and colleagues. The creation of a “Maggie’s Journey” Facebook page and a GoFundMe campaign have raised nearly $40,000 to assist with her treatment costs. Despite her illness, O’Neil expressed gratitude for the kindness of those around her.

“I’ve just been so grateful and really overwhelmed by how supportive everyone’s really been,” O’Neil said in a phone interview. She described the comfort of having her family and friends, even though she has had to limit her activities to protect her weakened immune system. As a self-described extrovert, she misses things like gardening and socializing with friends, but she’s found solace in visits from loved ones wearing masks to keep her safe.

Family’s Role and Raising Awareness

Chris O’Neil, her father, reflected on how his daughter’s illness has affected the family. He shared that Maggie is the first member of their family to be diagnosed with leukemia. His hope is that spreading awareness about Maggie’s battle will not only help her find a donor but will also raise awareness about the importance of bone marrow donations for others in need.

“It makes me want to cry to see how many people are connected to and concerned about my daughter,” Chris O’Neil said. His heartfelt post has already made an impact, touching many across the state and beyond.

Support has also poured in from O’Neil’s former colleagues in the Maine Legislature. Lawmakers from both political parties have shared messages of encouragement and offered their help. Former Rep. Tom Skolfield, a Republican from Weld, praised O’Neil’s determination and shared the Facebook post asking for help. Rep. Grayson Lookner, a Democrat from Portland, also offered his support, saying, “Anyone who worked with Maggie in the Legislature knows she is a tenacious fighter. If anyone can win this fight, she can.”

What’s Next for O’Neil

The next step in O’Neil’s journey is the search for a bone marrow donor. She hopes to receive a transplant in the coming months, with treatment continuing in Boston. Despite the challenges ahead, she remains focused on taking it one day at a time. She’s grateful for the love and support from her family, friends, and doctors.

“I’m lucky enough to have been pretty healthy, so it was definitely a big surprise and shock,” O’Neil said. “Everyone’s been so caring and supportive that it’s really helped me get through it.”

Call to Action: Bone Marrow Donation

O’Neil’s battle with leukemia serves as a reminder of the critical need for bone marrow donors. The national bone marrow registry is always in need of new donors, especially individuals between the ages of 18 and 40. To help O’Neil and others like her, consider registering as a potential donor. You could be the one to save a life.

Call to Action: Interested in helping Maggie O’Neil and others like her? Consider joining the national bone marrow registry. Your donation could save a life.

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