Story, Patient

In My Own Words: Recovering from My Bone Marrow Transplant

October 11, 2024

Aubrie, Children’s Hospital Colorado Patient Ambassador

young girl smiling

Aubrie has dealt with many medical diagnoses, but through it all, she has maintained a positive attitude. Most recently, she is celebrating her 1-year bone marrow transplant anniversary. Aubrie took some time to reflect on this past year and what reaching this milestone has meant to her.

Aubrie:

My recovery has been difficult because since my transplant we have had many complications. I had high blood pressure, I got a deadly virus that had me in the hospital even longer than I was for my transplant, and one of the medications for the virus was poisoning my kidneys. I had to use the bathroom every second.

girl in a dress smiling
Aubrie ready to attend the Children’s Hospital Colorado annual Gala.

My daily life has been affected in many ways because I was unable to do the things I enjoyed due to my weak immune system. For example, I couldn’t go swimming during the weekend like we used to. I loved digging in the dirt to look for worms, nope, not anymore! And I was not allowed to attend school or any in-person events. Very recently I was allowed to attend a few events like my school’s debate competition, and the Children’s Hospital Gala.

But the most exciting thing I get to do is judge a Halloween costume contest at the hospital this year!!! I am so flipping excited not to be in quarantine this year and to attend all the cool festivities!! My daily life is still affected because I still have to wear a mask in big crowds and go to the hospital every month for check-ups and blood work. Also, if I am sick. Lastly, I still need shots in my stomach every week to boost my immune system, eye drops to avoid graft vs host disease, and I still am in online school.

I wasn’t sure I was going to make it this far so seeing my anniversary on my calendar makes me emotional and brings tears to my eyes.

Aubrie

I am feeling amazing but not all the time. Sometimes I feel nauseous and just want to be a couch potato. Other days I am bouncing off the walls driving my family insane.

It means so much to me to be coming up on my big 1-year anniversary of my Bone Marrow Transplant! A wonderful woman from Spain saved my life! November 1st is the day I got new cells. I like to call November 1st my new birthday! So of course I am going to celebrate! I am so thankful to be where I am and so excited to see where life will take me, thank you Children’s Hospital CO!!