Mary Sansone is a two-time survivor of acute myeloid leukemia. Make amends for all of Mary’s blogs right here!
On June 5, 2025, I used to be a blubbering mess. I had simply completed consuming meals whereas with my brothers, sisters, and mom. Afterwards, my youthful sister had me sit down on the sofa in entrance of their TV and instructed me that I used to be going to look at one thing particular.
I used to be carrying a tiara and a birthday sash. Though I turned 60 in February, we have been celebrating my 5-year birthday. 5 years in the past on June fifth, I acquired a bone marrow transplant to deal with a recurrence of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a particular kind of blood most cancers.
After I was recognized with the recurrence of my AML, I used to be given ample data and mild lectures on the beneficial bone marrow transplant remedy plan. Though Moffitt Most cancers Heart treats the entire particular person, the physicians had an obligation to share survival charges. With out the transplant, the survival charge to five years was solely 24%. With the transplant, the survival charge to five years was 65%.
There was a deal with 5 years. For those who make it previous 5 years, there’s a good likelihood you’ll have a “regular” lifespan.
I made it previous 5 years. My physique cooperated with my need to expertise extra. This was a motive to have fun. My household gathered collectively and shared a meal. I acquired Disney princess birthday playing cards, one even containing a 5-dollar invoice. Then I used to be positioned in entrance of the TV.
There was an image of a woman on the display screen. “Have you learnt who that’s?” my sister inquired. I smooshed my face after which burst into tears. The video began taking part in. My 28-year-old donor (23 on the time of the transplant) and her boyfriend have been outdoors their residence in Israel. Shay began to talk, and I made a loud noise. My household inspired me to “Pay attention!” However as she began speaking once more, I couldn’t assist however make one other bizarre scream.
I had been in touch with Shay by means of e mail through the years. She wasn’t too proficient in English, so it was typically tough. After we met, she went to Canada to take English courses. Upon her return, she was known as up from the reserves to serve within the Israeli Protection Federation. Her e mail was not working. I despatched a message by means of Fb, however all her posts have been written in Hebrew.
She could be very fairly and candy. Within the video, she pronounced Mary (my identify) as Marie, which was endearing. Her English was now excellent. She was subsequent to her good-looking boyfriend and a gorgeous black canine that they have been coaching to be a blind information canine. She shared that she took my advice to go to Africa and went along with her accomplice for the higher a part of three months. She and I each love animals, have two sisters, like to attract, and are kindred spirits. She instructed me that she is extremely petrified of needles, however that didn’t cease her from donating her marrow to avoid wasting my life. She ended the video by calling us sisters.
I received emotional. Generally I’ll discover myself taking my life without any consideration. This was a jolt to my system. I’m alive as a result of somebody I didn’t know saved my life! I hope her life is full of marvel, peace, animals, well being, prosperity, pleasure and far love.
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