HEALTH

Utah bone marrow transplant recipient meets donor for the first time

Dec 12, 2024, 10:13 PM | Updated: 10:28 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — What do you say to the person who literally saved your life? On Thursday, a Utah woman with bone marrow cancer got that chance as she met her transplant donor for the first time.

Although a tour of the University of Utah Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine lab may not look like much, it was a real gift for Gina Poirier and Doug Wood.

“Best Christmas present ever,” Poirer said.

The two are meeting for the first time. Without Wood, Poirier wouldn’t be here.

“Every day, things that I do, I can say I did this because of him, I wouldn’t be able to, there’s no way, I wouldn’t have been able to do the things I did,” she said.

Gina Poirier in treatment for her cancer in 2017.

Gina Poirier in treatment for her cancer in 2017. (Courtesy Gina Poirier)

In 2017, Poirier was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer and needed a stem cell donor to live. It just so happened that a year later, Wood, from Atlanta, Georgia, signed up to be a donor.

“They called me within a couple weeks, so I mean, the timing of all of this was pretty. I mean, I didn’t really know it at the time because I was like, wow, that was fast,” Wood said.

Doug Wood holding his bag of donated stem cells that was used to help Gina Poirer in 2019.

Doug Wood holding his bag of donated stem cells that was used to help Gina Poirer in 2019. (Courtesy Doug Wood)

Wood donated his blood, the lab at the U of U pulled from it the cells Poirier needed, and in 2019, she received her bone marrow transplant. The two kept in touch but met Thursday for the first time.

“It’s been too long. It needed to happen,” Wood said.

“Yeah,” Poirier responded.

The transplant was a first for them and the U of U lab.

“It’s never happened, not in the time I’ve been around. I don’t think it’s ever happened here,” said Jan Pierce, Senior Director, U of U Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine.

The group meeting inside the University of Utah Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine lab.

The group meeting inside the University of Utah Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine lab. (KSL TV)

Poirier and Wood are grateful for each other.

“I was like, what do you say to somebody that literally saved your life?” Poirier said.

It’s not like Wood just lives around the corner, either. He traveled 1,800 miles to meet Poirier, which gives you a sense of the bond the two share even before he arrived.

“You donate and you meet that person who was the recipient, then it’s very much part of your life now, it’s pretty humbling I will say,” Wood said.

Those who were a part of the transplant at the Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah told KSL TV moments like Thursday’s meeting are extremely rare and one they won’t soon forget.

KSL 5 TV Live

Health

Art displays draw attention to women's heart disease. (KSL TV)...

Karah Brackin

Art display brings attention to women’s heart disease

Acid reflux, the flu, or aging: These can be misconceptions about what is really going on, which is much more severe.

2 days ago

The Department of Public Safety is warning Utahns to not drink and drive this Super Bowl Sunday. (K...

Dan Rascon

Department of Public Safety encourages fans to plan a sober ride for Super Bowl Sunday

The Utah Department of Public Safety sent out a word of warning for Super Bowl Sunday: Do not drink and drive.

2 days ago

The Weber County Animal Shelter said it had to euthanize at least 18 dogs after a canine parvovirus...

SIMONE SEIKALY

Parvovirus outbreak leads to euthanizations at Weber County Animal Services

Weber County Animal Services had to euthanize 18 dogs that tested positive for canine parvovirus.

3 days ago

A woman wearing lime green platform shoes....

Emma Benson

Beauty is pain? Why platform shoes can be a health hazard

While platform shoes are back in style, experts say they pose a risk for injury.

8 days ago

The Ogden Fire Department has created a new position. The homeless medical advocate will address th...

Alex Cabrero

Ogden Fire Department expands services with 1 new homeless medical advocate

Ogden Fire's homeless medical advocate will focus on treating minor medical issues among the homeless population.

9 days ago

FILE - The Egyptian Theatre is pictured on the eve of the 2017 Sundance Film Festival on Wednesday,...

Shelby Lofton

Mental health professionals help movie-goers at Sundance Film Festival

A group of professionals from the Huntsman Mental Health Institute are sitting inside Sundance Film Festival screenings, ready to help patrons unpack some of the heavier storylines.

11 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Utah bone marrow transplant recipient meets donor for the first time