A New Year – A New Beginning

How many people get the opportunity to make a New Year resolution to save someone’s life? I was blessed with such an opportunity on January 2nd, 2013. In April of 2010, I joined the National Marrow Donation Program registry through Be The Match while enjoying the good food, music, and company of friends and family at the Annual Diggs & Friends Crawfish Boil. I filled out a simple form, gave a cheek swab to collect a DNA sample, and the wheels were set in motion for what I am certain was a path laid out by God.
Time went by and I received regular emails from the Be The Match group updating me on the latest happenings. In November of 2012, I received an email that was quite different from the routine email updates. It was notifying me that I had been matched as a potential donor for a 53 year old adult male with myelodysplastic syndrome, more commonly known as MDS or formerly known as pre-leukemia. Naturally, I had a mixture of emotions and thoughts running through my head but there was no doubt I wanted to find out more. I contacted my representative, Tristanna, who was actually there for me every step of the way from the beginning to the post surgery recovery. In our conversation I learned that I was indeed a match and they wanted to do further testing to determine if I was a healthy candidate. One week later, I had my first of two blood tests to better determine my match and to check for any infectious diseases. Upon receiving the results, I was excited to hear that I was confirmed as the match and if I was willing they would continue with the process and begin prepping for the donation. Naturally, I agreed and we moved forward.
The first step was to have an information session with Tristanna. I received a packet of information pertaining to the different types of donation and we walked through the packet over the phone and discussed any questions or concerns I had. Tristanna made sure that I was comfortable and informed me of every aspect before we continued. Basically, I learned that there are two methods of donation, peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) or bone marrow donation. It is my understanding that while PBSC is utilized at a higher rate, bone marrow donation is the most reliable way to attack some of the more aggressive cancers. I was selected to do the more extensive bone marrow donation.
Moving forward, the biggest reality of all set in as my rep emphasized that my commitment was becoming more paramount. While I was beginning the steps of preparing to give bone marrow, my preparation paled in comparison to what the recipient was going to experience. To put it as simply as possible, once he began his preparation if he did not receive the donation he would most certainly die. All I had left to do was give two units of blood that I would receive in recovery after my donation, but this man’s immune system and marrow would be wiped out completely to prepare him for receiving my donation. Needless to say, this was a humbling thought and motivated me to do everything in my power to be ready and able to make my donation.
I went through the routine, gave my units of blood and the date was set at January 2nd, 2013. All the while, I was overwhelmed with support from family, friends, and colleagues. My wife, parents, and I left for Washington DC and what would certainly be the most memorable trip we’ve ever made. I checked in to the Georgetown Hospital before dawn on the 2nd and before I knew it I was prepped and sitting in the operating room. I was a little anxious but not nearly as much as my wife and mom. I was comforted by the thought of what this procedure meant to the recipient and his family. I knew in my heart that this was the path that was laid out for both of us by God and I was honored at the opportunity to save a man’s life.

Naturally, the next thing I remember was waking up in the recovery unit and the deed was done. While I was sore and incredibly zapped from the procedure, I was overwhelmed with joy! The procedure required drilling taps into each side of my pelvis and withdrawing liquid marrow. Fortunately, I received my two units of blood that I had previously given which went a long way towards helping with my recovery. I was on my way to recovery and praying for the success of the donation all the while. I spent a humbling night in the cancer unit where no doubt I was the healthiest man being given care. The next day I met with the doctor and he gave me the good news that the recipient was almost through with his procedure of receiving my marrow. He explained to us that this day would be celebrated as the recipients second birthday! Personally, I don’t think birthday gifts get any better and I was thrilled to have the opportunity!
I checked out of the hospital on the 3rd and we headed back to our hotel looking forward to getting back home to our 2 year old daughter even though I would be challenged with not being able to pick her up for 2 weeks! I was sore in my lower back but nothing too extreme. It simply felt as if I had strained my back and couldn’t move as fast. But the 2 weeks past and I was almost back to normal and at least able to pick up my sweet daughter again much to both of our delight! After 3 weeks had passed I got up the courage to attempt getting back into my running routine. I slowly built my strength back up and I’m now better than ever with a revitalized outlook on life and even more grateful for the precious blessings in our life.
The greatest news and the best part of the whole story is that my unique opportunity to resolve to save a man’s life has come to realization. In early March of 2013, I received a much anticipated phone call from my rep. She excitedly informed me that my recipient friend’s body had successfully accepted my marrow and he was still in the hospital but was scheduled to be released very soon! All of the emotions poured out of me needless to say and my heart was filled with Joy!
What a blessing and miracle! I had a lot of love, support and encouragement throughout the process for which I am extremely grateful for it all! I am also extremely thankful for Diggs and Friends and their continued efforts to make an impact in so many lives young and old. It’s because of this great organization and event that I was afforded the greatest opportunity in my life that I will forever hold close to my heart.
Finally, thank you to all of you have taken time to read this and allowed me to share my special moment with you and I encourage all of you to consider signing up with Be The Match and join the National Marrow Donation Program database. You never know who may be in need of a gift that no one else in this world but you can provide! God Bless!

Purchase tickets here.

The annual family event, which includes all you can eat crawfish(deliciously prepared by a Louisiana native), live music, silent auction, and plenty of activities for the kids, has gotten larger each year.

What started in a backyard has been moved to the Main Green at Ross Bridge in Hoover, Alabama. Three children have been honored through the years, and now the event also benefits the Developmental Therapeutics Program at Children’s Hospital of Birmingham. In 2012, the group formed the Hope for Autumn Foundation, and the crawfish boil has been officially been changed to The Hope for Autumn Foundation Crawfish Boil. The 2012 Hope for Autumn Crawfish Boil will be held on April 28th on the Main Green of Ross Bridge. Check our website in the near future for details and an opportunity to purchase discounted tickets online!

Thanks to all who attended the 2012 Hope for Autumn Crawfish Boil! Over $41,000 was raised, and went to the families of Tyler Watkins, Noah Crowe, and Lilianna Thompson as well as UAB’s Pediatric Oncology Developmental Therapeutics Program which seeks new and innovative treatments for kids battling cancer. Hope to see you next year!