She was overwhelmed and appreciative.
A 7-year-old was overcome with emotion when she met the man who donated his bone marrow to save her life.
Adriana Aviles, of Utah, was 4 when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Three years later she got the chance to meet 29-year-old Mike Laureano.
In a video shared by Caters news, Adriana is seen breaking down in tears at the sight of Laureano and hugs him tightly while saying, "Thank you so much."
“Adri might only be 7 years old, but her heart and mind are wise — she knows how incredible this gift of life was," Adriana’s mom, Jessy Aviles, said.
Laureano became a donor after a drive at his university encouraged him to join Be The Match's donor list.
"I signed up because it was the right thing to do," Laureano said. "I was a healthy individual living my life, so if I could help allow someone else to do the same then I, as a human being, have an obligation to do so."
The organization allows donors to connect with the people they help a year after a donation is made.
This year, Aviles decided it was time.
"Adriana fell apart as soon as she saw the sight of his car on our drive — not in a sad way, but in an overwhelmed, appreciative way,” Aviles said. "Within seconds of him arriving, she was in his arms thanking him for saving her life, which is where she stayed for the entire evening.
Adriana’s twin sister, Maiya, also gave a ton of hugs to Laureano.
"We have a bond with him that will last forever. Words will never explain my gratitude for Mike," Aviles said. "I wish I could hand him my heart and let him feel it. Only then would he know what he has done for my family. It is beyond anything a word could describe, it is a feeling."
To join the Be The Match Registry like Mike did, visit Join.bethematch.org/Stories.
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