She griggled when I met her. That’s a grin + a giggle. She pointed to her foot and said, “Shoe.” I knew I liked this kid. She was two.
She was awaiting a bone marrow transplant.
I spent ten years volunteering with pediatric bone marrow transplant patients. They gave me more than I ever gave them. The most valuable lessons of my life I learned from those children and families. I learned of love and faith and fortitude. I saw humor and resilience that made the shadows give way to light. I grappled with my own take on mortal life and spirituality. These lessons have stayed with me still. In those ten years, only one patient left the hospital alive.
It was her.
And she thrived.
She defied odds.
She never lost the griggle.
But we lost her today.
You can honor her by making a donation to the Ronald McDonald House or the National Marrow Donor Program. And please, join the National Marrow Donor Program.