Dear Friend,

I can hardly believe it, but 25 years ago this month, I was laying in a hospital bed undergoing a bone marrow transplant to cure my acute myelogenous leukemia.

Susan Stewart, Executive Director BMT InfoNet

I had made a point to visit all of my relatives the month before during the holidays, and I had hugged each of them closely when I left, not knowing whether I would ever see them again.

Back then, bone marrow transplantation was in its infancy, and peripheral blood stem cell and cord blood transplants didn't even exist. After thirteen long weeks in the hospital, I was finally sent home. And although I had several visits back to the hospital in the months and years that followed, I was able to resume a normal life within a year, and was even cross country skiing on my first transplant anniversary!

A lot has happened in those 25 years since my transplant.

Two years after my transplant, I left my job and started BMT InfoNet to help others facing a transplant understand what to expect.

In 1993, I gave birth to a wonderful baby boy - a miracle no one expected would happen.

And over the years, through my work at BMT InfoNet, I have met thousands of incredible people who have faced a transplant as a patient or family member, and fought bravely for a second chance at life.

Please celebrate my 25th re-birthday with me this month by taking a moment to share a kindness with someone in my honor.

Hug a family member who has been through transplant or helped you survive yours. Send a note to a doctor or nurse whose kindness during your transplant meant a lot to you at a difficult time.

Consider joining BMT InfoNet's Caring Connections program to provide emotional support to someone facing a transplant. (Click here to sign up online).

Or click here to make a donation in my honor, or that of a loved one, to BMT InfoNet's Team Mateo Fund. This fund provides financial aid to families to help pay for the many out-of-pocket costs associated with transplant such as travel, lodging, and donor costs.

Whatever you do, take a moment to rejoice that miracles can happen, and share that joy with another.

I wish you many great days and years ahead.

Warm regards

Susan Stewart

Susan K. Stewart

Executive Director, BMT InfoNet

BMT InfoNets was Founded in 1990 by bone marrow transplant survivor, Susan Stewart, BMT InfoNet's mission is to provide patients and their loved ones with credible information about marrow/stem cell transplantation and emotional support so that they can become more active, educated participants in decisions affecting their health.

"We are with you every step of the way."

BMT InfoNet

Visit us online at www.bmtinfonet.org

or phone us toll free at 888-597-7674.

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If you would like to support our work, you can donate online or phone 888-597-7674. You can also mail a donation to

BMT InfoNet

2310 Skokie Valley Rd

Suite 104

Highland Park IL 60035

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