My bone marrow donor has allowed me to contact her. It’s the best Christmas gift ever. When you receive a bone marrow/stem cell transplant the donor is anonymous. They aren’t allowed to know my information and I can’t know theirs’. The only facts I was given: she is a 24-year-old women from N.Y. I had to wait a year before I could even attempt to contact her. On the first anniversary of my bone marrow transplant I wrote my social worker at MGH. I gave permission for my contact information to be released to my donor. Then I waited. October, November, I heard nothing. I assumed that she did not want to communicate. I felt disappointed although I completely respected her wish for privacy. How could I ask anymore from her than what she had done already? I wanted so desperately to thank her, to tell her she saved a wife, mother, step-mother, grandmother…etc.
Today (Dec 14) it happened. I was at my appointment at MGH when my social worker Bev handed me an envelope. “Your donor’s contact information is inside.” She said. I almost cried. It was such a relief knowing that I would be able to thank her. Without the bone marrow transplant I would be in remission. With the transplant I believe I’m cured. Yes, there is a small chance that AML will reoccur, but it is small. My doctor looked me in the eye and said “I believe you have had a curative bone marrow transplant.” That’s good enough for me.
I emailed my donor as soon as I got home. It took a few hours for her to respond. I want her to respond right now! Steve immediately googled her and found out some interesting facts. She’s an incredibly nifty person. Her name is Kelly; she is exceptionally accomplished. She’s studying to be a physician’s assistant and has traveled extensively. When I was in the hospital she was in Tanzania. It wouldn’t matter if she was a troll living under a rock. She saved my life. Yet, Somehow, inexplicably it makes me happy that she is an independent, intelligent, adventurous woman. I hope to meet her someday soon.
Wonderful news you will establish a relationship. And Kelly will be thinking, as she learns about you, “Wow, I am amazed and inspired by Gayle. What an amazing life she is living after cancer. May I hope to only be half as strong if I face such adversity as her.”
Wow, Gayle. So happy for you!
Diane