I have some wonderful news to share!Each year, City of Hope nominates and then selects two "exemplary" Bone Marrow Transplant survivors for the Press Conference at their annual "HCT Reunion - Celebration of Life" event. I just recently found out that I am one of the lucky two! There will be interviews and speeches but all that pales in comparison to the fact that City of Hope is flying out my donor ALL THE WAY FROM CHINA! My donor and I will meet face to face for the very first time in front of TV News cameras. I can't even imagine... meeting the man who gave me my life back and whose marrow is in my bones and whose very blood flows through my veins.
The event occurs in three weeks (Friday, April 25th) from 10am to 2pm on the City of Hope grounds. In addition to the press conference, there will be thousands of survivors and families in attendance. The event is like a picnic gone wild, with food, games, music and inspirational speeches from survivors and City of Hope doctors. It is a very positive, life-affirming experience. Imagine being surrounded by thousands of people who are grateful to be alive. :)
My parents are flying in from New York to meet Kent (my donor). A small entourage is already assembling who want to meet (and HUG!) the man who was my only hope.These are photos from previous reunions. I like to think of this one as the grand finale, the final chapter, the end shot of a film. A Happy Hollywood ending to this Lifetime movie drama. I hope this will be my last appearance on TV as a "cancer survivor". (Frankly, if I were to be on TV again, I'd rather it be for other reasons!)
This is the moment we had been praying for all along.
Miracles DO happen.
Much Love,
Christine
14 comments:
ohmygodthatssoexciting! yaaaaaaaay! love, stephanie
Boy would I love to see you two meet. I cannot imagine what that might feel like for you - and your parents. Surely you must be destined for something, Christine, as you have certainly survived against all odds.
Have the time of your life, I wish we could be there to share it with you.
Connie
Wow! That is wonderful news. I have goosebumps just thinking about your meeting with Kent. Give Kent a big hug for Alan and me.
Colleen
that is great news!
It's wonderful that Kent and you are going to be meeting for the first time! You have already share an amazing, indescribable, physical and spiritual connection, and meeting face to face will be icing on the cake!
Love Always,
Josh
that is AMAZING news Christine!!! I'm so happy for you. Congratulations, I wish I coud be there for your "hollywood ending" (always the director) I'm so grateful to the man who donated his marrow to you, as I'm sure everyone of your friends and family are and I'm extremely excited for you that you get to meet him. What an honor to personally thank the man who gave you your life back. You deserve the nomination as you are an inspiration to so many and especially to me. love you lots, Justine
Wow... what a tremendous experience. I am so happy for you!
Hi Christine,
I am SOOO excited for you. Amid all of the excitement and media frenzy, I hope I get to meet you in person.
Susan
Dear Christine,
What great news that you will meet Kent face to face and have your parents and friends there too at City of Hope! It has been amazing to be part of your journey of healing and watch as it come round full circle!
You have been dearly blessed and you, Christine, continue to bless us all with your love and inspiration. Yes, your next movie has already begun!
Loving you in deep admiration,
Maxine
oh christine, i'm thrilled for you. you should be one of the two. you've touched so many hearts, so many lives. what a joyous celebration it will be...and how absolutely marvelous that you'll be able to meet your donor in person. he's a hero. and so are you.
love,
karen
Hi Christine! I am so happy to hear that you are well. You must be so excited to meet your donor. It is amazing how some things go in a full circle...you are entitled to a fabulous new beginning! Warm wishes and hugs.
Love, R
I am planning to be there to say Thank You to the man who kept you with us.
Joan
Hey Sweetie,
This is great news. How outstanding is it to meet the person that gave you an extension on life.
I'm so happy and proud of you. God has stepped in and granted you favor and I know you will make a positive impact on the world.
Tell your parents that they have raised an outstanding daughter :0)
Much and One Love Girl :0)
Floyd.
awesomeness!
love you bunches too.
hope i don't have to go after you.
tough act to follow. :)
i'll be mentioning you in my speech again of course.
your kindness, your spirit.
the fact that you are still my hero.
Sean
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