FORT STEWART, Ga. - When an American Soldier puts on his or her uniform every day, he or she make sacrifices for our nation and fellow citizens. Those sacrifices may take the form of deployments overseas, resulting in separation from family and friends. Some Soldiers make the ultimate sacrifice, defending our freedoms and protecting our democracy.
In or out of uniform, a true American Soldier consistently exhibits the highest standard of Army values in every aspect of his or her life. A true American Soldier is a willing servant of our nation, and is ready to answer the call when needed, even if that call comes from a complete stranger from all the way across the world.
First Sergeant Christopher Williams of Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Third Infantry Division, answered that call, March 4, donating bone marrow to a 33-year-old woman in Greece whom he had never met.
"I became a bone marrow donor after (Operation Iraqi Freedom-V) when a Soldier of mine was in need of a transplant after the deployment," said 1st Sgt. Williams, a Harrison, Ohio native. "Unfortunately, out of the 3,500 men and women that tested to be donors, none were a match and the Soldier passed away. Ever since that day I wished for the chance to be that five minutes of hope when they find out they have a donor, who could possibly save their life."
About a month ago, 1st Sgt. Williams was given that chance. He flew to Washington D.C. to begin the procedure, which consists of strenuous tests to ensure that a donor is 100 percent compatible and is able to endure the strain put on the body during the process.
Ten shots were administered over the two days prior to the operation. On the third day, a machine would extract white blood cells and plasma from one arm and pump oxygen-rich blood back into the other.
"After every shot to raise my white blood cell count, my spleen grew to double its size, and I became very sore," 1st Sgt. Williams said. "But I knew the pain was nothing compared to what this woman had been going through her whole life."
After five hours and tremendous amounts of pain, 24 ounces of life-saving bone marrow was ready to be sent to Greece.
"I wish I could be there to make sure it saves her life, that would just make it all that much more worth it for me," said 1st Sgt. Williams.
First Sergeant Williams will have to wait three months to learn whether she has survived the operation.
According to the first sergeant, transplant operation patients have anywhere from an 85-89 percent chance to make a full recovery after receiving the bone marrow.
"Due to legal formalities it will take that long to find out," he said. "Six months down the road I might get to meet her if all goes well."
Despite the grueling donation procedure and the waiting period afterward, 1st Sgt. Williams was ready and willing to make the sacrifice--and states that he hopes "to one day do it again."
"It was a pretty painful experience, but I think that we as Soldiers are battle-tested and hardened by our training and our combat experience helps us handle any tough or adverse situation and to keep the positive aspect in sight," he said.
First Sergeant Williams also said that it is support from his Family that provides motivation to perform great acts of service such as this one.
"I'm blessed to have the wonderful support of my Family behind me on this endeavor," 1st Sgt. Williams stated. "My wife stood by me through the whole operation and took wonderful photos for me as I went through this procedure."
First Sergeant Williams encourages any Soldier who is interested in donating to do so.
"Just Google search 'bone marrow donation,' and they will send you the test kit in the mail, and you will be on to saving lives. Not only are we Soldiers 24/7, but we will always be servants of humanity a well."
Social Sharing