Meet Laurie Thorne
Crofton, MD
I registered as a bone marrow donor many years ago at the Johns Hopkins medical student's annual "Type for Life" drive. Johns Hopkins Hospital used to be a customer of mine and I remember I was walking down the corridor on my way to a business appointment, when someone stopped me and asked if I’d be interested in registering. I distinctly remember looking at my watch, calculating that I had enough time, and stopping to register. I’m so glad I did.
In October 2003 I received a call that I was a possible match for a 47 year old man, and the caller asked if I would I consider additional testing to determine if I was “the match”, and by December, we knew I was “the match”. Once I made the decision to donate, I was surprised at the reactions I received, with the most common one being “Isn't that painful???" At that point, I didn’t know, but knew that whatever I went through had to be significantly less than what that man was going through.
I knew I was doing the right thing when I went for my physical, and the doctor had a plaque on the exam room wall with a scripture verse - "The Lord declares I have a plan for you and will allow no harm to come to you..." That verse continued to pop up for the next several weeks prior to my donation, and I know it was sent to provide me whatever reassurance I might need. I made my marrow donation on January 9, 2004, my 43rd birthday. It was a great way to spend my birthday.
Later in 2004, a local family’s young son, Ryan, needed a bone marrow transplant, and I worked with the team that sponsored a bone marrow drive in his honor. It was an amazing experience, and over three hundred people registered! Ryan continues to do well today, and he started his sophomore year of high school in August of this year. Every time I see him or his family around town, it is a wonderful reminder of how we can help each other. Just as exciting, is the fact that at least two people who registered that day have matched and donated life saving marrow and stem cells!
In late June of this year, I received the unbelievable call that I was a match again, this time for an eight year old boy with myelodysplastic syndrome. Once again, I got the "Isn't it painful?" questions. I donated at Georgetown University Hospital on August 9th and would do it again if they let me. Georgetown requires that you stay overnight, and I was placed on the Hematology/Oncology unit with folks who might someday need a bone marrow transplant. As I walked the halls the night of my donation, I saw real pain on the faces of those patients and on the faces of their families. Anything I experienced paled by comparison. With both of my donations I was asked for marrow, as opposed to stem cells, so I have undergone the more invasive surgical harvest. Yes, I was stiff, swollen and uncomfortable for a few days, but neither time did I need to take anything stronger than Tylenol once I left the hospital.
As a two-time bone marrow donor, I can’t believe how easy it is to make such a difference in someone’s life. Yes, I gave up some time for physicals, blood tests and the procedure itself – but that it all it cost me. All expenses (down to my husband’s meals while I was in the hospital, mileage and parking!) are reimbursed. Just last week, I received a heart melting letter from my eight year old recipient, whom I’ve dubbed “Timmy” since I can’t know his name yet. (see below) He is doing phenomenally well and tests show he is 100% “me”. I couldn’t be happier for him and his family!
January 9, 2011 is my 50th birthday and the 7th anniversary of my first donation. Jeana will be close enough to where I live that I am planning to walk with her that day. I look forward to meeting her and I think it would be a great way to spend the day!
Meet Laurie's supportive family.....
son Adam and hubbie Brian
