This has been the most amazing week. This journey started 3 years ago on 10/05/10. I have endured a very scary diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (PH +) that carries a grim prognosis, 7 rounds of high dose chemotherapy, total body radiation, and a life saving bone marrow transplant from a complete stranger from across the world. It was great writing an anonymous letter to my donor shortly after coming home from the hospital after the transplant and then receiving one back the week of Christmas. I remember seeing the letter on the table but the envelope said Baylor on it so you can imagine my surprise when I opened it and it wasn't a hospital bill but a letter from Thomas! It was even better getting to share our personal information after 2 long years of waiting. I emailed my donor immediately. I had so many questions but first and foremost I was finally able to express my gratitude directly to him. We have written each other on and off now for the last 8 months and we became instant friends.
In honor of Martin Luther King day, a national radio station here in the U.S. has a contest for the month of January called "I have a dream." People from all over submit their biggest dreams in hopes of being chosen to have that dream fulfilled by the popular morning show. Unbeknownst to me, my cousin Amy selflessly submitted a very touching letter to the radio station for this contest. She explained to them in 100 words or less that I had been diagnosed with leukemia and that I am alive and well today because of a complete stranger who joined the bone marrow registry and donated for me. It was her dream that my dream of meeting him in person one day would be fulfilled.
Last Thursday, I received a phone call from the radio station and they told me they would like to ask me some questions about my leukemia and put me on hold. I could hear the Kidd Kraddick in the morning show playing while I was on hold and I started to wonder what was going on. Next thing I know, I was talking to Kellie Rasberry J-Si, Big Al Mack and Jenna!! At first Kellie was just asking me questions about my diagnosis etc. Then they all started asking me questions about my donor and if I knew him or had ever spoken to him on the phone. I told them no, we had never spoken on the phone, that we had only communicated by email. Then out of nowhere Kellie said, "well, guess what? Say hello to Thomas!" I honestly thought she was kidding, I even asked her if this was a joke! Then I heard Thomas say hello and I was absolutely speechless. I could barely get any words out. I was caught so off guard! I was finally able to tell Thomas what I have said to him via email a thousand times. I thought this was the best day ever....until Kellie proceeded to tell us that she wanted to fulfill Amy's dream of Thomas and I meeting in person and they would be flying him here from Germany to Dallas for us to meet in person live on the Kidd Kraddick in the morning show!! What!!!! This is so CrAzY! I'm still in disbelief! I'm overwhelmed with excitement. So, it looks like Thomas will be coming at the end of March, which is awesome because March 16th will be 3 years post transplant!
I cannot thank Amy enough for the best surprise of my life and for writing such a touching letter. Thank you Thomas (Twin) ;) for being on this crazy journey with me and being so open to all of this when you didn't have to be. Thank you mom, Kim, and Jenn for your continued love and support while we continue on this path set before us.
Still Fighting,
Katie
Listen to the radio interview below!
http://www.kiddnation.com/i-have-a-dream-to-meet-my-match-audio/
