It's difficult to fathom that Ryan's life was in jeopardy after getting him and keeping him in a solid remission 20 years ago this week. It was an arduous journey (I'm tearing up as I write this entry), more than any family could or should take, including his fearless older sister, Olivia. We didn't have many choices (basically none). Still, we followed Ryan's lead in wanting more in (from?) his life than hospitals, bad news, and general chaos for eight years by the time Ryan received his life-saving Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant.
When Bill shared his blog post with the family earlier today, I told him he would be my guest blogger because of the stellar writing he did as a witness to the minutes, hours, days, and years up until this milestone event (and many more!). I didn't have to reinvent the wheel (story). Yippeee!
In Bill's words (link to Bill's blog):
November 3, 2004 – a day our family will never forget. Duke University Medical Center at 7:45 PM – Ryan Tomoff begins receiving his bone marrow transplant, thanks to the selfless contribution of a donor in the Be The Match Registry (now known as NMDP – National Marrow Donor Program).
November 3, 2004 | Ryan Tomoff Transplant Day | Terri, Olivia, Ryan, and Bill
November 3, 2004 | Ryan Tomoff Transplant Day | Terri, Olivia, Ryan, and Bill
Today, November 3, 2024, our family has the gift of celebrating Ryan’s 20th anniversary since receiving his transplant. Scott Harris, the donor, was later identified, and we all met on November 4, 2005!
November 4, 2005 | Ryan Tomoff meets donor Scott Harris
Reflecting back, the emotions are overwhelming for the care, compassion, and kindness, received by Ryan and our family. Scott Harris and everyone involved with Ryan’s journey is proof that everyone matters. Everyone makes a difference. On that 2004 morning in New Jersey, Scott went to a hospital to have his bone marrow harvested and sent to Duke. He and we knew none of the details – as 10-year old Ryan and our family waited anxiously in the hospital praying that all the logistics would go as planned.
Twenty years later, the emotions feel as if this was yesterday. Scott, thank you for your gift of life to Ryan. Our family is grateful for you, your decision to contribute, your wife, Sarah, and all who supported you in your journey. We are blessed for the gift of life, and we live to pay forward the example of your selfless choice to donate your bone marrow to a stranger. May your action forever inspire others.
Calls to action:
PLEASE join the NMDP registry. YOU may be a lifesaving match for someone!
Who can you thank today for being a gift in your life? Thank you, and help someone today!
In March 2021, Terri Tomoff wrote her memoir, The Focused Fight: A Childhood Cancer Journey From Mayhem to Miracles, of Ryan and our family’s journey through Ryan’s cancer experiences, the memoir Kindle and paperback can be found on Amazon, and audio on Spotify or Apple podcasts.
Note: the above links will take you to the book and audio versions of The Focused Fight.
November 3, 2004 | Ryan Tomoff Transplant Day | Family with Dr. Vinod Prasad
November 3, 2004 | Ryan Tomoff Transplant Day | Family with Nurse Donna Currie
November 26, 2004 | Ryan Tomoff Post Transplant | Ryan and Dr. Aziza Shad
November 4, 2005 | Tomoff Family at Party for Life Donor Meeting | New York City
November 3, 2004 | Ryan Tomoff Transplant Day Certificate
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bSoleille! Today, my usual salutation is not enough (though I am/we are H A P P Y!)
We are with full hearts and sincere gratitude to ALL who played a role in our lives from 1996 to today in 2024 - especially the PBMT 20th Anniversary!
Ryan, Olivia, Bill & Terri
PS: While cutting and pasting the photos into my post here, tears started flowing as my body went straight back to the day and time in my life and our lives. Though smiling, I was a hot mess with worry. I believe we all were (including the great docs/nurses - and that is for every kid/family that transitions to 5200.
PSS: Celebrating tonight with Chinese take-out!
This is so special Terri. What a thing you and Bill, and the kids were asked in your life, and how mightily you have responded. You have so much to offer and do offer through all you are with Bill, and I have no doubt, with Olivia and Ryan and who they have become through this. I have experienced it directly and then you go next level and put a book into the world to serve others who can benefit from your big heart. Celebrating you, and celebrating life because of you in this. Agent of kindness of the highest order.