Sue Bird remains cancer free! Sue's bone marrow biopsy, which analyzed 1 million cells, revealed no cancer cells and 100% of the cells were from the donor. Sue’s care will transfer from the University of Minnesota back to her oncologist at Abbott where she will continue to have bloodwork done every couple months. Her next bone marrow biopsy will come on the one year anniversary of her transplant in mid-September (AKA her new first birthday). She’ll also start to get "baby vaccinations" at that point. 

This is a huge step, but she still has to take precautions as her new and improved immune system develops. She is slowly starting to get out more and see friends which, in her words, “makes my heart happy”.

We were lucky to reach Sue for comment coming out of the most optimistic appointment she’s had in almost a year: “I’m so thankful for my donor whom I hope to meet one day. All I know is she is a 24 year old from the United States. After one year I can contact the UofM BMT department who will ask her if she would like to meet. I completely understand those who choose to stay anonymous and it doesn’t change my immense gratitude, but she saved my life and I truly hope I can thank her in person over a glass of champagne.. Thank you to the entire medical teams at Abbott and the UofM for getting me to where I am today, so many doctors and nurses played a part in my recovery. All are so professional, caring, knowledgeable, and kind.”

Given Sue won’t have as many appointments we won’t have CaringBridge updates unless needed. We will update after the next bone marrow biopsy in September or early October.

“Thank you to my family, friends both near and far, and people I don’t even know that called, texted, wrote, and prayed.” -Sue Bird

Jimbo, Tommy, Kev, and I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Sue’s best friend and sister, Sara. Throughout the past year, she has been a constant source of support, acting as the glue that kept us moving forward.

If you're able, we urge you to consider signing up as a bone marrow donor. It has the potential to save someone's life, just as it did for our beautiful mother. 

The Hannon family's appreciation for our support system has never been greater #TeamSueBird