The life of a young girl, Landrie Lay, from Quinlan in Hunt County was saved when she received a bone marrow donation. Last week, Landrie got to meet Phillip, the man who donated the bone marrow that was her saving grace.
In 2018, Landrie was diagnosed with an aggressive blood cancer called MDS; doctors told her she needed a bone marrow transplant. She was three years old at the time.
Phillip, a college student outside Munich, Germany, wanted to help. Blood work revealed that he and Landrie were a match.
On Febuary 13, 2019, Landrie successfully had her bone marrow transplant.
Landrie’s family has wanted to meet 26-year-old Phillip to thank him in person since the transplant in 2019. On January 19, that moment arrived. They went to meet him at the airport.
Landrie’s mother, Lindsay, told FOX 4 News that Phillip is kind, sweet, and an “all-around good person.” The family said that Phillip sent eight gifts to them ahead of the visit.
During the visit, they all went to eat barbecue, which was Phillip’s first experience with the food.
“He fit into our family in like five minutes, like a missing piece that has been missing for years,” mom Lindsay said. The Lays are also making plans to visit Phillip in Germany.
Since Landrie had her transplant, she has had many complications; her mother said that she struggles with muscle weakness and fatigue and must therefore use a wheelchair.
Nonetheless, her physical limitations have not stopped her from living a bright life. Despite the physical challenges, she’s back in school and making straight A’s.