Peripheral Stem Cell Donation- Update
Monday, June 16, 2008 at 02:41PM My regular readers know that I donated peripheral stem cells to a 21 year old stranger with leukemia about a year ago. New readers can catch up here, here, or here.
I recently was invited to a National Marrow Donation Program luncheon. I think it was only the second time they have held such a luncheon. It was an interesting experience to be in the room with about 75 other donors. The highlight of the lunch was a touching speech by a donor and her recipient. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. We all received a gift and a certificate. It was a humbling experience.
The day of the luncheon I realized that I had just met my one year donation anniversary. This is the magic moment when I can give my consent to share my information and hope to receive my recipient’s information as well. All throughout the process, I had hoped to meet this 21 year old woman, my match. I filled out the form and sent it back. Each time I open the mailbox, I have been hoping to receive some sort of correspondence.
I just heard from my donor coordinator. It appears at some point between the six month mark and now, my recipient passed away. She didn’t make it. My stem cells didn't take.
They had already sent my consent form to the Transplant Center before finding out. Hopefully, her parents will still receive my information. Although, I doubt they will contact me. I really wish they could know how many lives were touched by their daughter’s fight to stay alive. It was an amazing experience for me to go through, especially with so many young and impressionable lives standing witness. A year later, I still get questions from some of my ex-players about the process.
I would still encourage anyone to join the National Marrow Donor Registry. Even if my stem cells didn’t save her life, I really hope that I was able to give her the gift of time. I’m holding onto that at least…otherwise, I would have to give in to the waves of incredible sadness that I’ve been feeling. For her. For her family and friends.
I was so young, naïve and selfish when I was 21 years old. A lot of my ex-players are right at that age. It’s just….unimaginable.
Reader Comments (3)
Wow. I'm so glad that it was such a positive experience for you but sad, too, that your recipient died. Are you thinking about donating again if you were to be the perfect match for someone else?
Thanks for keeping us posted, hon!
[MommyCosm]
I would donate again if I was ever a match for someone else. The odds are slim, though not unheard of. I know people who have been on the donor list for 4-5 years without ever becoming a match.
Oh wow. I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry!! I truly had hoped you'd get to meet her!! :(