DETROIT – Local 4 has followed Tara Revyn for the past twelve years, as she waited a decade to find a bone marrow donor to save her life.
Two years ago, the day she had prayed for finally arrived.
"July 20th is a big day for me," said Revyn. "It's a day for me to remember how grateful I am that Be The Match was able to find a donor, to have a donor to save my life."
Revyn came back to the 10th floor of the Karmanos Cancer Institute -- the place she spent weeks recovering from her bone marrow transplant -- to reflect with Local 4 on how far she's come.
"It takes me half a second to put myself back as being a patient," said Revyn. "I just feel grateful, that I'm here, you know. I'm here as a visitor. I can be a visitor instead. I thank God every day that I am cancer-free."
It has been a momentous two years.
"When Channel 4 first covered my story, I said, 'I just want to see my son graduate,' and I did. And that means a lot," said Revyn.
Her son Jay is now serving as a U.S. Marine.
"He's doing amazing, just amazing," said Revyn.
She is beyond proud, but says she already knew how tough he really is.
"He was in a room like this one, watching me through transplant, watching his mom fight for her life. And he kept it together," said Revyn. "I have to believe that all of the things we have gone through in the past couple of years have helped him to be as strong as he is."
Revyn wasn't allowed to learn anything about her donor until a year after her transplant, and then, only if both parties agreed. They did.
"His name is Sam. He's a father," said Revyn.
She learned Sam joined the registry after his wife saw a story on TV about a little boy searching for a bone marrow match. Sam wasn't a match for the little boy, but he was for Revyn.
They have emailed back and forth, but haven't met in person -- yet.
"He lives in Hawaii, so I might have to go visit him," laughed Revyn. "I do want to bring him here though. I would love for him to see Detroit. I want to show him Karmanos."
Sam told Revyn when he first learned her name, he Googled her and saw Local 4's stories on her ten year search for a donor. Sam told Revyn his only regret is that he didn't join the registry sooner.
"How do I thank someone for saving my life?" wondered Revyn. "I am just so grateful."
Revyn is determined to help others still waiting for their "Sam."
"Don't ever give up hope. It took me ten years to find my match," said Revyn.
She is raising funds in this year's Michigan Marrow Walk and Fun Run. It will be held Saturday, August 8th at Stony Creek Park in Shelby Township. Proceeds from the walk will benefit Be The Match and their efforts to find lifesaving bone marrow matches.
Revyn will be walking with her team "Marrow Movement." To donate to her team, click here.
Revyn wants to encourage everyone, especially minorities, to join the Be The Match registry.
"There's a reason why God spared my life. I need to be able to inspire other people. That cause is No.1 to me," said Revyn. "Life is a gift."
To learn more about joining the Be The Match registry, click here.
To visit Revyn's blog Marrow Movement, click here.