It's been long since I've posted but, as I've said before--no news is great news. Zoe is just an amazing and thriving little light.
I sent her donor a thank you card about a month or so ago-- I wasn't allowed to provide any specific details about ourselves, including names and where we live. The marrow donation system requires anonymity until a year after the transplant, and then consent forms must be filled out indicating what information would be okay to share.
Here's my thank you note:
Dear Donor~
Across from me is a darling, vibrant, healthy, spirited, and very much alive little two year old. She is our only child-- and she is here today because you cared enough to sign up for the bone marrow registry and make your very cells available to save her.
How many people do you know who can say that they know they have personally saved a life?
Well, you can because you did.
My husband and I are so grateful to you and for you. Thank you, thank you. The words don't express the depth of our gratitude, but know that the sentiment is there.
Bless you!
Signed,
Very Grateful Parents
PS. We are sending in a form stating that we would be willing to let you know more about our daughter should you like to know more about the little person whose life you saved. Namaste!
Not 30 minutes ago I received a lovely, sob inducing email from our donor, who lives in Florida. I will post the picture of her and her family she sent me if she gives me permission to do so:
Dear Kellie and Zoe,
I received your email today and could not wait to respond to your beautiful letter. Your kind words and thrilling news of Zoe's health brought tears to my eyes (numerous times) and to everyone here in Florida. We have all been praying for and sending healing thoughts to Zoe since last January.
When I found out a year ago December that I was lucky enough to be a perfect match and possibly save someone's life I felt like I was given a gift. Your letter was another gift that I will treasure.
My boys and I love to watch the television program Extreme Makeover, Home Edition. Over tears, we talk of how lucky Ty and his crew are to be able to help families improve the quality of their lives by giving them safe homes, paying their bills, sending kids to college, etc. On the day that we found out that I was going to be able to donate my marrow to help Zoe, my middle son, Dustin, looked at me and said, "now you get to be "Ty Peddington" too". And with your news, I did feel a bit like Ty. Honored, and ecstatic, that I was able to help improve the quality of your family's life.
Kellie, I can't imagine the heartache you have all gone through over the past two years. You must be savoring everyday. I bet there will be no "terrible two's" in your home.
I don't believe in coincidences, so I find it interesting that you are from Seattle. I was born in Bellevue (many years ago) and my dearest friend is a pediatric cardiologist at Children's Hospital and at the University out there. Coincidentally, she had her first daughter about two weeks after Zoe had her bone marrow transplant and I was out visiting her last March.
Thank you so much for sending me the update of Zoe's health. It means the world to me.
Namaste,
Elizabeth
P.S. I have attached a picture of my family: my husband, Daren, and boys Jonah (13), Dustin (11) and Trey (7).
Wowie, wow. Ain't that just a jolt of joy for your day? It certainly is for mine.
