WE HAVE A DONOR!!

It's true.  Our first ginormous prayer has been answered.  A perfect match.  And he's a sibling...

It was Blake's 5th birthday and he chose pizza for dinner.  I left for the 30 second drive to pick it up and I wasn't even to the end of my street when my phone rang.  The transplant team was calling.  Really?  At 6:30 on a Tuesday evening?  I always seem to get these phone calls when I'm out doing something...

"Hi Rhonda, it's Lucy.  I'm calling in regards to the donor search.  Jerry is a 4/6 match which, while not a perfect match, is still good.  But, Greg is a 6/6 match!  We have found a perfect match for you!!  And it's a sibling match!  That's SO amazing!!!"  I burst into tears.  She let me have a few minutes and pull myself together.  "I hope these are happy tears!!"  "Yes, they are.  But this also means shit just got VERY REAL."  "Yes.  Yes it did."

I was in Rosati's parking lot for 15 minutes by the time we finished chatting.  We hung up, I got out of the car, looked up to the clear blue sky, pointed and said "THANK YOU!!!!!!!"

I later called both brothers, my mom and dad, and obviously told Jason when I got home.  Jason goes, "So did Greg say yes?"  ummmmmmmmm.... "I guess I didn't ask! I told him!  And I assumed!"  hahaha!!

Things are very expedited.  With a perfect match found, we can now proceed.  I will be having a stem cell transplant within the next month.  I have been put in contact with some people who have gone through this process.  One woman was a fresh 60 days out when I phoned her... and I interrupted her having a glass of wine on her deck.  LOL!  Another woman is 7 years out.  One gentleman a year out.  A woman I chatted with a few hours ago is 5 years out.  All have one underlying message - stay positive and keep the faith.  Something I like to believe I'm doing great at so far.  At this point, I'm done reaching out.  Done talking about it.  Done thinking about it.  Done.  It's time to write my own story.

I can't even tell you how many people have tagged me in posts, texted me, phoned me, messaged me, emailed me... stating they have registered to become a donor.  I have lost count.  You have no idea what that means to me.  To think someone I encouraged to sign up could potentially get a call someday to give someone a second chance at life.  THAT is amazing.  And I thank you.

In case you need the link to register, click HERE!

The donor (😉) will be starting his process next week.  I will be scheduled for several tests, including a bone marrow biopsy (lame) very soon.  Then a date in which I will be admitted will be set.  I am told to expect to be in the hospital for 4-6 weeks.  This is going to take a village.  Your continued prayers, positive juju, thoughts, whatever, is so appreciated.  Now is when the real fighting happens.  And I am more than ready to KICK THESE SHIT SHOWS!!!!!!!!!!

My Dad hilariously stated "When you start enjoying Captain and Coke's, we'll know it worked."  Greg, here's to a lifetime of Captain and Coke's on me!  It's the least I can do.

Be well.  Enjoy this holiday weekend!

Rhonda Kay
xoxo