Nick meets his DONOR

What an beautiful evening!  After the mandatory one year wait, we were finally able to meet the incredible young woman who saved Nick's life!  Her name is Caroline and she is absolutely our HERO!  BeTheMatch set up the "meeting" during their national conference in Clearwater.  The whole family was present as we entered the room and watched a heart-felt video where Nick talked about his experience and what the Donor means to him.  Suddenly, the video cut to a message from Caroline, where she shares her experience as a stem cell Donor.  The moment we saw her face and heard her voice, the tears started rolling.  After the video, she was immediately introduced to Nick in person and just as you see in the photo, there simply are no words...

What do you say to a woman who, after joining the registry in college, received the call that she was a match and stepped up to give her blood stem cells so that Nick could live?  My heavens, he's a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle, a son, a friend, a boss, a co-worker, a neighbor, and the most loving person I've ever known.  We must have thanked Caroline a thousand times, but I admit that it still didn't seem adequate.  I can only hope that every time she looks down at the heart-shaped charm on the bracelet we gave her, she can hear our trembling voices saying, 

"We thank God for you."

 

(above) Nick, Caroline, and Dr Lia Perez (Moffitt Cancer Center) share a moment.

Nick and Caroline talk to the press and encourage all qualified potential

donors to join the Registry!

Day 365 "My Cup Runneth Over"

If there's a milestone to be remembered, it's today...Day 365 post transplant!  Nick continues to feel better and earlier this week, we had a full day at Moffitt including blood tests, pulmonary testing, a bone marrow biopsy, vaccinations, and doctor visit.  From the information we were given that same day, Nick is doing very well! 
I also have news to share about Nick's Donor.  We were told prior to transplant that BeTheMatch protects Donor/Recipient identity/privacy until after one year of the Recipient's survival. At that time, both parties can sign a waiver if they wish to be contacted by the other.  Needless to say, we have been anxious, but tried to remain patient as we waited to be notified.  This week we received the news (along with two cards from the Donor) that she does, in fact, want to meet Nick now that the one year "waiting period" is over!  BeTheMatch is now coordinating the "meeting" scheduled for the end of the month during the BeTheMatch annual conference in Clearwater.  It has not yet been completely confirmed, but we hope to meet her face to face at the event.  We will at least learn the identity of this amazing woman who stepped up to save a stranger!  She doesn't know it yet, but we already consider her an incredibly brave woman, a member of our family, and a true "hero" in every way.  Here's my sweet husband today, Day 365, relaxing and reading.  All I can say is..."my cup runneth over."