Help me meet my Stem Cell Donor!

On May 9, 2012, I was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of Leukemia at the age of 32. I was immediately hospitalized and the fight began. A few weeks into my "induction" phase of chemotherapy, I was told by my oncologist that a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) was necessary in order for me to survive. My chances without a transplant was most likely fatal. The hunt began. 

We were notified a few months later that a donor was found. A perfect match! The only information I had is that a 41 year old male from Germany was going to save my life. I would be able to see my son grow up after all. 

I received my BMT on October 4, 2012. The stem cells from my "donor" were flown in to Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, TX from Germany for me to receive. The next 3 weeks would be crucial to see how my body would accept or reject the new cells. After a very difficult fight, my body accepted the new cells and I began a new fight to stay strong and alive. 

The past 2 years have been a roller-coaster of emotions and physical battles. I developed a joint disease called Avascular Necrosis as a side effect from the extremely high dosage of steroids and chemotherapy. I had 7 different surgeries in a matter of 2 years which included total hip replacement of both hips, 2 shoulder replacements, breakage of both the tibia and fibula, a pulmonary embolism and many more. The hospital admissions wouldn't stop. 

October will be 3 years since my BMT. I can say I finally feel alive again. I have lost over 80 lbs. of "steroid weight," my hips feel younger than I do most days, and I am off all cancer and post-cancer medications. No more foggy days from the 20 plus pills I ingested daily. 

On Wednesday, July 8 at 6:45am I received my very first message via text of all things from my anonymous donor in Germany. His name is Rene. He and his wife have a beautiful 8 year old daughter named Emma. God does answer prayers, and that is exactly what the subject line of his first email to me read.  

This October will mark the 3 year anniversary, also known as my 3rd "birth"day, a celebration of rebirth with my new cells. Rene's cells. It is my wish to celebrate with him, to meet him for the first time, to share my gratitude, and to embrace him for the sacrifice he made for me. The most precious gift of life that has been given to me from such a generous and warm man.

I write this request with deep emotion and joy for what lies ahead. All funds raised will go toward the cost of the trip to Wolfsburg, Germany where he and his family live. Any donation will be most greatly appreciated for this random act of kindness from a complete stranger who is now a part of me forever and now a part of my family. And I will promise to pay this act forward in any way humanly possible.

Thank you for all of your support in making this dream come true.