The day my life stopped

I’ve always been one to do kind things for others, not ever expecting anything in return. Almost two years ago, I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. I had to go to the hospital immediately. I had so many plans in the upcoming months. I was a Girl Scout Leader, a Service Unit Manager (which handles many troops in the area), and worked full time. All of that stopped that day.

I was so overwhelmed with how everyone stepped up to help me, my family and filling in for all of my Girl Scout activities.

I was told that I needed a bone marrow transplant and my brother stepped up immediately to test to be the donor – he matched! I will be forever grateful to everyone, especially my brother, who helped during that time – and continue to offer help!

Last year, on July 3, I decided to celebrate my birthday by doing good deeds in the community because I was still here to do them! On December 10, a year from the day of my transplant, I hosted a blood and bone marrow drive to celebrate my first “re-birthday!”

I am planning to make both these dates annual events. I am currently working on my birthday kindness day. I am working with a committee to host the Kindness Academy twilight camp for our Girl Scout Council in August. We hope to work with the girls to teach them the importance of being kind and passing this along to their families, friends, and neighbors. – Sheryl 🙂