A Complete Stranger. A Life-Giving Donation.
One evening, out of the blue, Crystal blacked out at home. She was rushed to the ER where she learned she had acute myeloid leukemia. She needed a transplant. And a young marine was the donor who saved her life. Read her story.
Forever Grateful That AdventHealth Found My Perfect Match
Crystal was taking a shower when she started to feel sick to her stomach. She was out of breath and couldn't find her balance. Moments later, she passed out. The EMS brought her to AdventHealth for treatment and tests. After the bloodwork was complete, the doctors told her she had acute myeloid leukemia and needed a bone marrow transplant to survive. Crystal's brother and sister were tested, hoping they could be a donor for her. But, when neither was a close enough match, Crystal was added to the donor list soon after.
As fate would have it, a healthy, 21-year-old U.S. marine appeared in the database. He was a perfect match. Crystal was overjoyed to have a donor. The procedure was a success and Crystal moved into recovery. Two months after the transplant, while she was in remission, Crystal's donor was deployed to Afghanistan. Her personal hero became a national hero when he died serving his country. Crystal was heartbroken that she never got to thank him for all he had done for her. But she's forever grateful for the young marine who saved her life and helped her on her path to feeling whole again.
World-Class Innovation and Whole-Person Care
When facing an illness like Crystal's, nothing replaces expert care. As a nationally recognized clinical research center, AdventHealth offers advanced technology, robust clinical trials, and a team devoted to treating your body, mind, and spirit.
Specialized Treatment. An Integrated Approach.
Facing cancer is an overwhelming challenge. That's why AdventHealth is committed to providing comprehensive care with your whole health in mind. Find your physician in our extensive network.