All the way to Western Australia and back again! What an amazing trip it was!
Meet Mr Steve Toms, Shane's incredibly generous donor! Steve has decided to stand tall as a proud donor rather than remain anonymous. I applaud your decision Steve!
We met Steve on Thursday the 17th July, 2014, exactly 18 months to the day since Shane's transplant! Not that we planned it that way! We didn't even realise the significance of the date until a week later! But it really was quite the coincidence!
We met Steve on Thursday the 17th July, 2014, exactly 18 months to the day since Shane's transplant! Not that we planned it that way! We didn't even realise the significance of the date until a week later! But it really was quite the coincidence!
We met Steve in the hotel foyer that afternoon then went out to dinner. We had no idea about how Steve looked, but knew he would recognise us from the photos in this blog. In our heads we had different opinions about what he would look like, and hilariously, as we walked into the foyer, a man fitting Shane's exact mental description walked in. There was an awkward moment when Shane says for certain "this is him here" only to see the man give us a funny look and turn the corner to walk away! Just at that moment, the real Steve rocked up and introduced himself.
We spent a fair bit of time with Steve over our week long holiday. We even did a ghost tour of the Fremantle prison together! We really enjoyed this time together getting to know the man who saved Shane's life. Steve really is a hero, but also, just a regular guy. Anyone could have had this honour, but like the lotto, "you have to be in it to win it"! Steve had signed up the the Bone Marrow Registry, and had the opportunity to become a life saver. What a legend!
This is what you get from the Bone Marrow Registry after donating stem cells. Steve says donating his cells "was the greatest thing he has ever done". I can only imagine how that would feel.
As a small thank you (because nothing would ever feel like its enough), we bought Steve a watch to symbolise 'time', a gift that he himself gave Shane.
We spent the rest of our time in Perth being tourists and visiting friends. What a lovely place it is! The Swan river is so beautiful and the same goes for Kings Gardens. We spent a few days in Margaret River and loved the combination of cold weather and comfort food! We successfully ate our way around town! It was delicious!
But sadly, all good things do come to an end, especially holidays! We were very lucky to have had the opportunity to meet with Steve, an opportunity that few transplant recipients have. We are incredibly grateful for the experience and for Steve and his heroic actions. Actions that have allowed us to move forwards in our lives.
Thanks again. For everything.
Peace.
xx
