Kansas City, KS – An unexpected leukemia diagnosis changed Alecia Bone's life. When treatments failed, a stem cell donor from Wales gave her a second chance. Now, nearly a decade later, she's helping patients at The University of Kansas Cancer Center and proving there's great life after cancer. On Morning Medical Update, Alecia reunites with her donor and care team to share her remarkable story and the life-saving power of stem cell donation.
Alecia Bone, Leukemia Survivor, The University of Kansas Cancer Center
- Alecia was diagnosed with leukemia after becoming dehydrated while running a marathon and visiting the emergency room, where blood tests revealed an abnormally high white blood cell count.
- After several medications, including oral chemotherapy, failed to control her disease, she learned she needed a stem cell transplant.
- A worldwide donor search identified Andy Harris, a paramedic from Wales, as a 95% match.
- Following her successful transplant in 2017, Alecia returned to an active life and now works at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, where she offers patients hope through her own experience.
- She considers Andy family and even livestreamed her wedding so he could be part of the celebration.
- An accomplished bowler with six perfect 300 games, Alecia is determined to show others that a fulfilling, active life is possible after cancer.
Andy Harris, Bone Marrow Donor
- Andy joined the stem cell donor registry in Wales, never expecting to be called upon to donate.
- He shares what motivated him to become a donor and what the donation process involved.
- He discusses his relationship with Alecia and what it means to see her healthy and thriving years after the transplant.
- He encourages others to consider joining a stem cell donor registry and potentially saving someone's life.
Dr. Joseph McGuirk, Hematologist, Medical Oncologist and Director of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics, The University of Kansas Cancer Center
- Dr. McGuirk explains how physicians determine whether leukemia can be treated with medication or requires a stem cell transplant.
- He discusses how a stem cell transplant works and how donor cells can help patients fight leukemia.
- He explains the importance of maintaining a large, diverse donor registry to improve the chances of finding a suitable match.
Dr. McGuirk says the worldwide donor registry includes approximately 40 million people, but the chance of finding a match is about 80% for patients of Western European ancestry compared with 29% for African American patients.
- He discusses how donated stem cells are transported internationally and delivered to patients awaiting transplantation.
- He explains what long-term recovery looks like following a successful transplant, including returning to sports and other activities.
Bryan Walters, Medical Assistant, The University of Kansas Cancer Center
- Bryan reflects on caring for Alecia during her leukemia treatment and the challenges she faced.
- He discusses the role medical assistants play in supporting patients throughout cancer treatment.
- He shares what it means to see former patients return to their lives and accomplish their goals.
Tonga Barker-Barr, Medical Assistant, The University of Kansas Cancer Center
- She discusses how medical assistants help patients feel comfortable and supported when they first arrive for cancer care.
- She explains the importance of encouragement and compassion for patients facing a difficult diagnosis.
- She shares what it means to see someone like Alecia return years later, healthy and thriving.