A Celebration Of A

Miracle Marrow Match

The miracle of a marrow match was joyously celebrated recently as Sean Soo was able to meet and touch and thank his donor for the first time. Face to face, their smiles said it all.

"I'm so happy and excited to be here," said Soo, 33, who had flown in from Hawaii to Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches' (A3M) fifth anniversary luncheon held on Saturday, September 28, in Montebello, California. A3M is a recruitment group for the National Marrow Donor Program^® (NMDP). "Thank you Dennis Tan for saving my life by donating your bone marrow for my transplant. Without his generosity, I wouldn't be here today. I'm really thankful from the bottom of my heart."

"Share Life," was the name of the event, and for Soo and Tan, the life they share was celebrated with warm smiles, laughter, flowers, gifts, gratitude and hugs. And for the 150 volunteers, friends and supporters on hand, it was a truly a magical moment--emotional, powerful and inspiring.

A first-time meeting. A life-long bond.

"Coming here today, I didn't know what to think when they told me I was going to meet Sean," said Tan, a 22-year-old public health student, who got tested last year in memory of a school friend who had died of leukemia.

"After I gave my marrow, my only thought was, 'I wonder how Sean's doing. I wonder if he's going to make it. I wonder if he'll pull through.' I guess it's just hitting me now. Here he is. And he's going to run a marathon. He made it! I'm just so glad I was able to help."

Soo, who attended the lunch with his father and brother, was told in 1990 he had only four or five years left to live unless he was able to find a donor for a marrow transplant. His parents were tested. No match. His siblings were tested. No match.

He checked the NMDP Registry. Again, no match. Soo was devastated. "I knew my future was uncertain and hopeless. However, I fought hard not to allow this disease to overpower my mind," said Soo. "I tried very hard to maintain a positive outlook. I continued my life and what I was doing."

In the meantime, thousands of miles away in Southern California, Dennis Tan got tested in 1995. Through a health education awareness class project, Tan became aware of A3M and the NMDP, and volunteered at an A3M drive. By the end of the drive, he decided to add himself to the pool of potential donors.

Back in Hawaii, Soo checked the NMDP Registry again. This time, a match! Dennis Tan matched Soo. Three weeks after getting tested, Tan got the call. "If anyone asks what it's like to get tested--it's really easy," said Tan. "It's not only something you shouldn't give a second thought about--it's something that can save a life. It doesn't take up a whole lot of your time and if I could do it over again in my lifetime, I would."

With all of his heart and then some, Sean Soo said thanks again. "I'll never forget what Dennis has done for me. He had the heart to save a stranger's life. I'll never forget the gift of life he has returned to me as my lifesaver."

In addition to the donor-recipient meeting, A3M also honored their outstanding volunteers, who received certificates of appreciation. A3M also recognized community organizations who have done outreach to help A3M reach its goals.