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Mentor

Snapshots of hope: Life on the other side of transplant.

Posted by Lori, Volunteer Mentor @loribmt, Feb 24, 2022

My husband snapped a photo of me walking on a beach this morning. I was running through the surf, picking up shells, smiling and feeling on top of the world with unabashed joy for being alive and healthy. So what?
Well, it’s a photo that wouldn’t exist if I hadn’t had a bone marrow transplant. It’s a snapshot of hope!

Three years ago today I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, an aggressive blood cancer and fighting for my life. Prospects of ever being able to walk a beach again seemed beyond reach.
With a lot of chemo, I achieved remission, but my only hope for a future would be a bone marrow/stem cell transplant as the cancer would likely return. Let’s just say, that procedure isn’t a walk on the beach but it gave me a second chance at life and well worth the arduous journey it took to get here!

Along this journey, I’ve been able to help inspire and give hope to others who have faced my same battle. I’m alive, surviving and thriving because of a gift of life from my anonymous donor.

When facing a transplant, whether it’s stem cells, or a solid organ, it can be a daunting prospect. I think a gift we can give, as transplant survivors, is to share our positive transplant stories with anyone who is about to undergo the procedure or is in need of reassurance in their recovery.

Show me your Snapshot of hope! What photo do you have that wouldn’t exist without your transplant?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Transplants Support Group.

Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Feb 26, 2022

This is photo of me on the stairs in the Gonda Lobby of Mayo Rochester. While waiting for transplant, and needing assistance to walk, my hope was that someday I would be able to walk down these stairs. And I did, during my 1st annual visit!
While awaiting my transplant, my husband and I decided that if we got thru this, we would go back to Alaska. This is me, at the Exit Glacier near Seward Alaska.

My liver and kidney transplant was in 2009. These photos were taken in 2010.

I want to tag -@dbirkel21, @kathycaudle, @karen51, @joko - What photo do you have that wouldn’t exist without your transplant?
REPLY
3 replies
joko | @joko | Feb 26, 2022
In reply to @rosemarya "This is photo of me on the stairs in the Gonda Lobby of Mayo Rochester. While..." + (show)
@rosemarya

This is photo of me on the stairs in the Gonda Lobby of Mayo Rochester. While waiting for transplant, and needing assistance to walk, my hope was that someday I would be able to walk down these stairs. And I did, during my 1st annual visit!
While awaiting my transplant, my husband and I decided that if we got thru this, we would go back to Alaska. This is me, at the Exit Glacier near Seward Alaska.

My liver and kidney transplant was in 2009. These photos were taken in 2010.

I want to tag -@dbirkel21, @kathycaudle, @karen51, @joko - What photo do you have that wouldn’t exist without your transplant?

Jump to this post

Great photos. Here's one of me and our beloved Max, the wonder dog, near Mt. Robson in the Canadian Rockies. Max refused to walk on those see-through metal catwalks (probably because they are called "cat" walks) and I had to carry him for miles. A testament to his stubbornness and my new strength.

REPLY
Karen51 | @karen51 | Feb 26, 2022
In reply to @rosemarya "This is photo of me on the stairs in the Gonda Lobby of Mayo Rochester. While..." + (show)
@rosemarya

This is photo of me on the stairs in the Gonda Lobby of Mayo Rochester. While waiting for transplant, and needing assistance to walk, my hope was that someday I would be able to walk down these stairs. And I did, during my 1st annual visit!
While awaiting my transplant, my husband and I decided that if we got thru this, we would go back to Alaska. This is me, at the Exit Glacier near Seward Alaska.

My liver and kidney transplant was in 2009. These photos were taken in 2010.

I want to tag -@dbirkel21, @kathycaudle, @karen51, @joko - What photo do you have that wouldn’t exist without your transplant?

Jump to this post

Me in Las Vegas. Definitely would not have been there without transplant.
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scottij | @scottij | Feb 27, 2022

I rarely take pictures and never of myself. But two years out from my new heart (and it is mine) I can say that every day is a good day. Some are just better than others.
Best always,
s!

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edb1123 | @edb1123 | Feb 27, 2022

I was diagnosed with AML 2 years ago on January 25th. I also had a bone marrow transplant from a generous, caring anonymous donor on July 22nd, 2020. A year later, I played 73 rounds of golf, most of which I walked, averaging 6 miles/round! I continue to thrive and enjoy my second chance at life!

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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Feb 27, 2022

This is simply awesome to see these pictures and read the words of hope!

Thank you so much @loribmt for getting this started. I am looking forward to reading/seeing from more recipients. It does indeed bolster us all up, from recipients, to caregivers, to family members, doesn't it!?
Ginger

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1 reply
jackiez | @jackiez | Feb 28, 2022

Hi-I had heart/double lung transplant in April 2021. Stronger and back to ‘normal’ more every day. From hardly being able to stand on my own upon discharge to now riding my horses and going dog sledding on vacation (I’m standing and my 80 yo dad is sitting). I am officially Back In The Saddle since September and living and loving every day!
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1 reply
Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Feb 28, 2022
In reply to @gingerw "This is simply awesome to see these pictures and read the words of hope! Thank you..." + (show)
@gingerw

This is simply awesome to see these pictures and read the words of hope!

Thank you so much @loribmt for getting this started. I am looking forward to reading/seeing from more recipients. It does indeed bolster us all up, from recipients, to caregivers, to family members, doesn't it!?
Ginger

Jump to this post

Thank you, Ginger! I’m so excited and inspired to see all these amazing photos!

These are the faces of hope!! 💙 💚

REPLY
edb1123 | @edb1123 | Feb 28, 2022
In reply to @jackiez "Hi-I had heart/double lung transplant in April 2021. Stronger and back to ‘normal’ more every day...." + (show)
@jackiez

Hi-I had heart/double lung transplant in April 2021. Stronger and back to ‘normal’ more every day. From hardly being able to stand on my own upon discharge to now riding my horses and going dog sledding on vacation (I’m standing and my 80 yo dad is sitting). I am officially Back In The Saddle since September and living and loving every day!

Jump to this post

👍

REPLY
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 2, 2022

I'm tagging @athenalee @estrada53 @melody12 @leahdrose @hello1234. Will you share your snapshot or story of hope? When you do, please tag at least one other member and invite them to share their story too.

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