Katerina Christophi (Periphere Blutstammzellspende, Oktober 2024)

To be able to help in saving someone‘s life it’s a gift itself.
My letter came last June almost 8 years after registering. My pathologist took some blood samples and these were sent to AKB-to make sure I was the right „match“. The summer was over and I hadn’t heard back. And then, in a September I got the email. I was indeed the „perfect match „.
Two weeks later I was in Gauting for the examination. Everyone was super friendly and the doctor explained everything very clearly. When I saw the shots, I had to take a deep breath but I said to myself: „you got this!“.
Indeed, no problem. I did have headaches and my bones hurt a bit, sort of like when you have a cold. But I knew, it’s just for a couple of days. I took things easy, tried to eat and drink well and sure enough, the day of the donation came.
I took the train to Munich and walked the few minutes to the BRK where I was welcomed by the nurse.
The procedure itself was no problem at all. Ok, you have to sit/lay for a few hours but with a bit of patience it was soon over.
It was lunchtime when I was done , so a pizza was ordered for me and I had some time to eat, drink and relax.
Upon taking the „all good" from the doctor I took the train back home. I was very tired but very relieved that everything went smoothly.
Next day, I was back to my old self ☺️.
It’s an indescribable feeling, to be able to help someone in such extent. It feels like a gift itself, to be given the chance to do so.
As a single mom of two, it was important for me to show my kids that when you have the opportunity to help, you do it. Period.
But for the universe to decide this for you, you have to give a sample and register. I know, with the hustle of every day life, it may not seem like a priority. So make it one. Do it!