Feeling grateful on my 8th stem cell transplant birthday

June is a special month for me. Eight years ago I had an autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (aHSCT) in Moscow to treat my multiple sclerosis (MS). On June 22, I celebrated my eighth stem cell birthday!

A stem cell transplant, or “stemmie day,” is when patients have their harvested stem cells reinfused back into their bodies, which grow to form a brand-new immune system.

Denis Fedorenko, a hematologist in Moscow, presents Ahna Crum, right, with an iris pin during her celebration-of-life ceremony in 2016. (Courtesy of Ahna Crum)

The aHSCT process isn’t exactly a cakewalk up to this point; rather, it’s a whirlwind of being poked, prodded, and embracing the unknown. At this stage, my stem cells had been harvested and my immune system wiped out with chemotherapy, and I was preparing for a period of isolation and side effects from not having any remnant of an immune system. My body had started to undergo a myriad of changes, and I was just along for the ride, without any control over what came next.

The day I had my stem cells reinfused, the stress and uncertainty faded away, exchanged for a celebration. During the aHSCT process, I’d built a steadfast network of companionship, support, and comfort with other patients and even staff, all of whom prioritized celebrating with me the chance of a brand-new beginning during a ceremony after the transplantation procedure.

Denis Fedorenko, a leading hematologist in Russia, and his team valued all of the statistics and research available, but they also made a point to emphasize the importance of family, support, communication, and attitude in successfully fighting this disease.

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The iris pin, representing a new beginning, is given to patients on their stem cell transplantation day. (Courtesy of Ahna Crum)

During this special tradition, patients are gifted a pin with a picture of an iris. The flower was chosen because it represents enduring hope and courage through a rough journey, a new beginning, and newly blossomed friendships.

In the words of Denzel Washington’s character John Hobbes in the 1998 film “Fallen,” “There are moments which mark your life. Moments when you realize nothing will ever be the same and time is divided into two parts, before this, and after this.”

My life is divided into two segments: before aHSCT and after aHSCT. Since the transplant, I’ve celebrated my new lease on life by marking my transplant day not with gifts, but with an activity that, at one point in my life, I was unable to do as a result of multiple sclerosis.

Instead of feeling isolated, I’ve traveled to spend time with family; instead of facing heat intolerance, I’ve enjoyed a day outside kayaking in the sun; instead of spasticity controlling my hands, I’ve made my way up indoor rock-climbing courses; instead of fearing cognitive impairment, I’ve had fun with friends puzzling through escape rooms; instead of tripping because of my foot drop and worrying about balance, I’ve navigated through a ropes course in the trees.

This transplant birthday marked eight years of no MS progression or disease activity! Because my battle with avascular necrosis led to a couple recent surgeries, I didn’t participate in anything too physically extreme. But this day is one I continue to recognize, reflecting on where I’ve been, becoming overwhelmed with gratitude for how far I’ve come, and reminding myself that anything is possible.

Left: Ahna Crum uses a rollator in 2016, pre-aHSCT. Right: Ahna celebrates a stem cell birthday on a ropes course in 2019. (Courtesy of Ahna Crum)

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