A young girl had an emotional meeting earlier this week when she met the woman who saved her life. Two years ago, Sophie Cromer, now eight years old, was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia. The only cure would be a bone marrow transplant. The Alabama family began to search for a match. That match turned out to be Maycie Fuselier, who had signed up to be a donor three years earlier.
Fuselier remembers that the moment she received the news, she was nervous and called her father. She told WVTM, “He said, ‘Pray about it,’ and I did. I’m so glad I said yes.”
Sophie received the bone marrow transplant in January of 2023, and after nearly two years of recovery, Sophie can enjoy activities that she was previously unable to do due to the risk of bruising and her low platelet counts. Her mom, Candace, says that Sophie has just started her first dance class.
Children’s of Alabama Hospital arranged for Sophie to meet Maycie as part of a program that doctors say helps everyone involved but had been put on pause because of the pandemic. Dr. Hilary Haines, Sophie’s physician, said, “These are the days that keep us going through the rough parts.”
When Sophie and Maycie saw each other for the first time, they embraced and burst into tears.
“I just couldn’t stop crying, and she was crying and looking up at me,” Fuselier said, describing meeting Sophie. Of her decision to help, Fuselier says she has no regrets and encourages others to sign up as a donor. She said, “Don’t even think twice, do it.”
Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links.