September 30, 1998
TC just keeps on giving: Recipient astounded
By Jacquie Thomas
Herald Editor
"Humane-having what are considered the best qualities of human beings: kindness, tenderness, mercy and sympathy."
Webster's New World Dictionary
Judy Lindsey has always been a giver. She is a nurse by training, married to an educator and mother to six. She is active in the Stephen Ministry program of Central United Methodist Church, a caring ministry of lay people that have received extensive training in how to meet the needs of others.
In February of 1994, she was diagnosed with leukemia, received chemotherapy and went into remission, never imagining that she would hear the words "You may have leukemia." again.
On March 2, 1998 she did indeed hear those words again and, for the first time, her roles reversed and she has found herself on the receiving end of the compassion of others for her physical needs as well as emotional and spiritual support.
"I love to help others, it's what defines who I am, it's what sustains me," explained Judy, with tears spilling over the edge of now filled eyes. "If you are, by nature a giver, it is very hard, very, very hard to let yourself receive from others,"
"But I know they need to give, just as I now depend on their support and need to receive. It's the way it works."
Once again, she received chemotherapy and went into remission. It was decided this time, however, that she should explore the option of a bone marrow transplant; she was a good candidate for a recurrence of the disease and, because of her successful response to chemotherapy, would also be a good candidate for a successful transplant.
It was decided that was the path to take and by June, everything was in place. Now Judy's little sister had a chance to give, to give the ultimate gift.
"When I found out I was a perfect match, I cried and laughed all at the same time-it was better than Christmas morning,"