Meeting my Donor

It finally happened. This week I met the donor of the cells that saved my life. Katie is a wonderful young woman from Michigan. After chatting with her on line, I feel like I've known her all my life. It has been an emotional re-union. I will let Katie tell her story in her own words, shared with her permission. 
 

Katie and Max

"So to tell you a little about myself.  I’m from Traverse City, MI. I live in Kingsley a very small farming town outside Traverse.  I’m 30 yrs. old.  I’m engaged as of February of this year to a wonderful man, Max.  I have  two wonderful hound dogs Dozer (basset hound) and Chevy (coonhound).  We actually just was given the best gift of all this late February in finding out were having our first baby.  He is due November 23^rd the day after our Thanksgiving here in the US.  "

Chevy

  " I signed up to do bone marrow way back in high school when I found out that I have pretty rare blood type, O-.  I saved a few babies' lives at our local hospital here in Traverse City (Munson Medical Center) by doing blood transfusions for them.  I didn’t mind doing that knowing a life could be saved by just donating.  Little did I know 12 yrs later I would be called by Michigan Blood to be asked to donate bone marrow. "


Katie, you were the one person in 17 million registered donors, in the whole world,  to match my cell type. I know you had to travel not once, but twice to Grand Rapids Michigan - the one time for testing, and the other for donating, driving five hours round trip each time. And you chose the more painful and involved procedure of bone marrow harvesting because you were planning a family. Dr Power, my oncologist, said "I'm glad she did, 'cause it sure worked better in your case!"

  Katie's bone marrow cells in Michigan

The cooler packed for flight to Vancouver Canada

  " I have to tell you my mother was with me for all of this journey. When they actually took all my marrow and put it into the little cooler to be sent to you. My mother said a prayer over it for safe travel and good wishes for your recovery.  She said the whole waiting room got silent and said the prayer with her.  She said people asked her what it was for, and all she could say was it was for a very special sick person.  You wouldn’t believe the support we got from family and friends thru this whole journey.  I can’t begin to thank you enough for making me a better person.  It’s really an eye opener to know I have helped another human out there I don’t even know.  I’m so happy you’re doing well and getting back to a normal life. I hope to hear more good news for you and your family.  I’m just so happy you have plenty of more years ahead to share with all your loved ones." 

Katie, my family and I have been moved to tears by your generosity and your words.  My brother Andy said you are "truly a blood relative now". Thank you and may God bless you and your family.