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A little girl who’ve survived leukaemia burst into tears when she met the person who donated bone marrow so her life could be saved.
The day before Mother’s Day in 2015, Adriana Aviles, then four, was diagnosed with leukaemia in her hometown, Cleveland in America.
Three years later, after little Addy had been declared clear of the potentially deadly cancer, her family decided to celebrate Mother’s Day by introducing her to the man who’d saved her life.
In an emotional video posted on social media Addy and her twin sister, Mia, can be seen embracing Mike Laureano (29) in a teary hug. The pretty pair refused to let go of their hero as they nuzzled their faces into his neck and held him tightly.
Mom-of-three Jessy Aviles said even though Addy was young, she knew how incredible this gift of life was.
“Adriana fell apart as soon as she saw the sight of his car on our drive,” Jessy said. “Not in a sad way, but in an overwhelmed, appreciative way. 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.
“Mike is an incredible man. We felt so much love and comfort for him. Our twin daughters fell in love with him instantly.
“We have a bond with Mike that will last forever. Words will never explain my gratitude to him.”
Mike decided to sign up with the Be The Match donor service after attending a donor drive at his university. He said he had good health and happiness and felt an obligation as a human being to help someone less fortunate experience the same. That’s how he was able to help little Addy.
Through the Be The Match service Mike and Addy were able to meet up.
“I never signed up to receive any recognition or to become anyone’s hero,” Mike said. “I signed up because it was the right thing to do.
“I was a healthy individual living my life, so if I could help allow someone else to do the same then as a human being, I have an obligation to do so.”
He said he was happy when he received Jessy’s message asking him to meet up with her daughter.
“I was overflowing with joy and happiness to be able to finally meet their amazing family. I recommend signing up with Be The Match to anyone who’s healthy.
“You never know the endless possibilities of life that could occur from your one small gesture – overflowing emotions and a life-long bond that will never be broken.”
