Alexandra Yelle

I got my life back. 

When I was diagnosed with leukemia in January 2018, I had no idea what it was or what it meant. Like everyone else, I had often heard the word but I associated it with children or telethons ... I didn’t realize how serious it was.

Then, reality hit me, and the word "cancer" burst into my young 24-year-old flight attendant’s life.

I was quickly dragged into a whirlwind of treatments. First, an initial round of chemo that did not have the desired results. Then, a second, which led to remission, but for how long? It was difficult to say given the risk of recurrence ... I had to go a step further in order to increase my chances of being cured for life. And that step was a stem cell transplant.

This was one more thing I didn’t know about, another new concept that I had to get my head around. But, still, I went through with it.

Even today, I still can’t believe it: my life was saved thanks to a perfect stranger’s stem cells! Not long ago, I didn’t even know it was possible, yet today, these advanced treatments have given me a new lease on life... or rather, given me my life back. Just one year after my transplant, I'm already planning to return to work.

I am so grateful! This experience has really changed my outlook...

During my visits to the HMR, I was struck by the number of patients around me. A whole range of people with a variety of cancers who, like me, were hoping to be cured.

When it happens to us, we think we are the only victims, but this is far from being the case. Today, I am cured, but I also realize the importance of making the innovative treatments I benefitted from available to as many people as possible.

 

Every day, stem cell treatments change lives and reprogram the story of patients just like Alexandra.