An 8-year-old girl named Sophie Cromer met Maycie Fuselier, the bone marrow donor who saved her life, for the first time at Children’s of Alabama Hospital.
God works in amazing ways. He brings people together to help each other in times of need. Sophie and Maycie’s story shows us how one person’s kindness can change a life. It reminds us that even when things look tough, there’s always hope if we trust in God’s plan.
Sophie’s story began in September 2022 when she was 6 years old. Her parents, Adam and Candace Cromer, found out Sophie had a rare bone marrow disease called aplastic anemia. This illness stops the body from making enough new blood cells. It leaves people feeling very tired and at risk for infections and bleeding.
Candace Cromer told WVTM13, “It was severe. We did our own research and found the only cure option was to have a bone marrow transplant.”
While the Cromers were dealing with this news, Maycie Fuselier was living her normal life. She didn’t know that a choice she made three years earlier would change everything. Fuselier had signed up to be a bone marrow donor, not knowing who she might help one day.
Fuselier said, “I was like, oh my gosh, I forgot I did this. I actually matched with someone, and I was so nervous. Really nervous and I called my dad. He said pray about it, think about and I did. I’m so glad I said yes.”
In January 2023, Sophie had her bone marrow transplant. Fuselier’s donation gave Sophie the cells she needed to fight her illness. The surgery worked well, and Sophie started to get better.
Almost two years after the transplant, Sophie’s parents are happy to say she can now enjoy being a kid again. Candace shared, “She wasn’t allowed to do dance or anything physical because of the bruising and low platelet counts, but now she started her first dance class this fall, and she’s loving it. Back in school, back to herself.”
Sophie and Maycie met for the first time on September 4, at Children’s of Alabama Hospital. The hospital set up this special meeting. When Fuselier walked in, Sophie ran to hug her. They both started crying as they hugged each other for the first time.
Fuselier said, “I feel like I just blacked out. I just couldn’t stop crying, and she was crying and looking up at me. I was like, stop. It just kept coming. It’s crazy, it doesn’t feel real.”
Everyone in the room cheered as they watched Sophie and Maycie hug. Dr. Hilary Haines, a doctor and teacher at UAB, said, “These are the days that keep us going through the rough parts.”
This meeting was extra special because it was the first time a donor and recipient had met at the hospital since COVID-19 started.
As Sophie held onto Fuselier, Fuselier encouraged others to become bone marrow donors. She said, “Don’t even think twice. Do it. For sure.”
Let’s pray for Sophie, the Cromer family, and all people fighting serious illnesses. We can ask God to heal them and give them strength for their journey.
WATCH: Emotional Moment When 8-Year-Old Girl Meets Her Bone Marrow Donor for the First Time
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