See the Moment an 8-Year-Old Girl Bursts into Tears as She Meets the Bone Marrow Donor Who Saved Her Life

Vanessa Etienne
·2-min read

"I feel like I just blacked out," donor Maycie Fuselier said of the emotional moment she met 8-year-old Sophie Cromer

<p>WVTM 13 News</p>

WVTM 13 News

An 8-year-old girl from Alabama had a tearful meeting with the woman who saved her life.

In September 2022, Adam and Candace Cromer learned that their daughter Sophie, then 6, was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare bone marrow disease. The condition causes the body to stop producing enough new blood cells, leaving patients fatigued and more prone to infection and uncontrolled bleeding, according to Mayo Clinic.

"It was severe," Candace told WVTM13. "We did our own research and found the only cure option was to have a bone marrow transplant."

At the time, Maycie Fuselier — who signed up to be a bone marrow donor three years prior — ultimately got a phone call letting her know that she was a match for Sophie.

"I was like, oh my gosh, I forgot I did this," she told the outlet. "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 underwent a successful bone marrow transplant thanks to Fuselier.

Last week, Children’s of Alabama Hospital arranged for the two to meet during an event on September 4. During the emotional moment, Fuselier walked in and Sophie ran into her arms. The pair began crying as the room was filled with people cheering.

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"I feel like I just blacked out," Fuselier said. "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."

Now nearly two years after the life-saving surgery, Sophie’s parents say she’s finally able to be a kid and enjoy her childhood.

"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," Candace said.

Fuselier spoke about the experience as Sophie clung to her, urging others to become donors and “give the gift of life.”

"Don't even think twice," she said. "Do it. For sure."

"These are the days that keep us going through the rough parts," Hilary Haines, physician and associate professor at UAB, added of the emotional rmeeting.

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