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January 7, 2001

An Unforgettable Day!

From: "Smith, Dianne" < dianne.smith@mpls.frb.org >
Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2001 19:54:02 -0600 

Just like our wedding day, or the days that Jenny and Jason were born on; we
will never forget today no matter how long we live.

Jenny's donor, Todd, was flying from Oregon to Tennessee today. He had an
hour and a half layover at the airport here in Minneapolis, so we went there
to meet him. When he hugged Jenny, it was so amazing - it was pure and
moving and perfect. Then when I hugged him, I thought my heart would burst
because it was so full of gratitude, love and joy. It was such an
incredible experience to be in Todd's presence knowing that his bone marrow
makes Jenny's blood and immune system. Jenny's DNA is the same as Todd's
DNA. He did something for Jenny that no one else could do, not even her
immediate family: TODD SAVED JENNY'S LIFE. 

We all laughed, talked, hugged, took pictures, and
got along like old friends; like we've known Todd all his life. It was hard
to say goodbye and after we did we all prayed that he would have a safe
flight home. Todd will be in our hearts forever.

After all of that, it is hard to image I could have any more good news - but
I do. Jenny has not had a platelet transfusion since October 28. Her
platelet count fluctuates between 85,000 and 122,000 (normal is 150,000 -
450,000 but you can remember that we couldn't keep Jenny above 20,000 with
transfusions every day or every other day, for months, a while back).
Also, Jenny has not had a blood transfusion since December 5 and her
hemoglobin is right around 9.5. Jenny's white cells (immune system for
fighting infections) has been around 3,000 to 6,000 (normal is above 5,000 -
the more the better, up to 10,000). All of this means that Jenny's new bone
marrow is working and since she is not having any more graft versus host
disease complications, it has accepted her organs - Todd's marrow is now at
home in her body. What a miracle all of this is. We have worked so hard
for so long; it is difficult to realize that we finally got to our goal. 

We have overcome some huge obstacles; thanks to God, Todd and Dr. Davies. 

Jenny started physical therapy this past week. The physical therapist has
determined which areas to work on to help Jenny's balance and coordination
issues. She feels that Jenny can improve significantly with lots of
exercise and effort, and the results should make it easier for Jenny to get
around. Since Jenny will be getting off the steroids (they make her weak)
in the next few weeks, she will start to get stronger in the next 5-6 months
as well. Also, she will begin her immunizations in July, 2001 and it will
take about 1 year to get her immunizations current. After that Jenny's
condition will not be so delicate with regard to sick people and/or crowds. 

Jenny will see the Neuro-Retinologist on January 9. We have seen some mild
improvements in her vision in her day-to-day activities. We hope he will
confirm that Jenny's vision is still improving.

Keep thinking those good thoughts of Jenny and keep all of us in your
prayers.

Love,
Steve, Dianne, Jenny and Jason

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