By Dr. Ruthie Spector

I was lucky enough to survive my bone marrow transplant in relatively "good" health after a harrowing year of relapsing leukemia, various treatments, complications, and what was the hardest of all, learning that no one in my family matched my tissue type. My immediate family was a bundle of nerves, easily brought to tears and fearful of losing their wife, mother, daughter and sister. No matter how supportive they tried to be, the situation was beyond their control or help. The Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation had given us hope with an unrelated, mismatched donor who was willing to come to a stranger's aid in this life or death situation.

My donor was introduced to me in front of hundreds of individuals who came to support Gift of Life at the 2003 Partners for Life Gala in June. My nerves were on end. What if I didn't like him or he me? What would I say to a man I knew nothing about? How can you thank someone who, out of the goodness of their heart, sacrificed part of himself to help a stranger in need?

As I listened to the master of ceremonies, Ron Rifkin, star of the hit ABC series ALIAS, I tried to settle my jitters and concentrate on what he was saying. I do not recall hearing a single word he said, except my name and the one of my donor, Josh Hoffman. Josh and I hugged, we cried, we hugged some more. (Even writing this over a year later, it still brings tears to my eyes.) My heart was pounding, my hands were trembling. I didn't want to let go of this man. Momentarily I forgot I was in a crowded ballroom that was filled to over-capacity.

The sights, sounds and smells of that night are still fresh in my mind. It really wasn't until after the "party", a few weeks later that I invited Josh and his family to my home to try and get to know the man who gave to me what my own family could not--life itself. They have become my friends, and in some ways, my extended family. I am lucky again that Josh and his family live in the town next to mine and we are able to find free weekends to share in each other lives.

Josh, if you are reading this, I hope it brings a smile to your face. We look forward to seeing you and your family soon!

Ruthie Spector