Latral always knew helping others was her calling, which explains her 20 years of experience in the medical field. She is the head dialysis technician at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System. In 2014, Latral and her husband, Norman, were soon
to celebrate their second anniversary with a romantic getaway. Latral fell ill and knew something wasn't right. Excruciating pain led to a canceled getaway and a trip to the emergency room instead. Latral thought she may have an ulcer, but it proved
to be something much worse.
Latral was then diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). She was determined to get this behind her, so she could go on with what she felt she was meant to do in this world, taking care of others. With further
appointments, Latral learned her cancer had taken over 98% of her body, devouring her red blood cells.
"How long will I be here?" she asked the nurse from her hospital bed.
Without immediate chemotherapy, she had a 4-6 week prognosis.
The nurse patted her head, as she was going to be there awhile. Latral longed to get back to her patients, taking their vitals, double checking their monitors, praying with them, and more.
Some days, she slept 16 hours. She was always in
pain, from head to toe. Chemotherapy wiped out her entire immune system. After chemotherapy, Latral would need a blood stem cell transplant. At this point, her friends, family, community, and even strangers knew her story. It was no secret that she
needed a blood stem cell donor, but it was also no secret the chance of finding one was low. Her siblings were not matches, and Latral knew what a stranger would have to go through to help her.
"Who had that kind of time?" she thought.
Latral
turned to prayer. She prayed for herself, and her potential donor. Against all odds, a donor stepped up. This donor was a perfect match for Latral.
The chemotherapy wiped out her leukemia, but unfortunately, when she was ready to have her
blood stem cell transplant, Latral's leukemia returned. Nine months later, after her second round of chemotherapy, she was ready to receive her new blood stem cells, and her donor was also ready to donate.
The operation was a success.
"Who
was this individual?" she thought, as she prayed for their healing as much as she prayed for her own.
Raykell
Nearly a decade ago, Raykell had a very close friend in need of serious help. Her young son needed a blood stem cell donor. Raykell joined the Be The Match Registry® in hopes of being his match, but unfortunately, she couldn't help. The young boy passed
away soon after. Fast forward to 2014 and Raykell found herself at church during a Be The Match Registry drive. Her pastor was encouraging people to join the registry and explaining the importance of people of color being blood stem cell donors. She
didn't stay long, as she knew she was already registered.
The Tuesday following that service, Raykell got the call from Be The Match. She was potentially a match for someone in need. While on the call, fear took over Raykell's body. Her biggest
concern was how much donating may hurt. While listening through the phone, Raykell was convinced she would say no. She was currently in a bad family situation, and fear was getting the best of her.
But then, something different happened.
In that same moment, Raykell felt God speak to her, telling her he had prepared her for this. Suddenly, her faith took over, and all of her fear diminished. She said yes, and went through with what she now calls an "experience of a lifetime."
Raykell's
initial testing was a long process. All she knew about the patient she was about to help is that she had leukemia. Going into her donation, Raykell was nervous about being awake and worried about being in pain. The nurses made the process easier than
expected, and she overall had a good experience. She felt very tired afterwards, but returned to work two days later without difficulties. A lot of people told Raykell how proud they were of her for agreeing to go through with donating her blood stem
cells. Many also shared they would not have been able to go through with it as she had.
Coming together
After the initial waiting period, Latral was allowed to collect her donor's information. She learned her donor's name and location, and was finally able to reach out to Raykell. In 2015 the two of them connected via phone, and from there, a friendship
began. They became fast friends, talking on the phone daily, and looking forward to meeting for the first time.
"I had to ask her what made her make such a sacrifice for someone she did not even know," said Latral.
"I did not know
I would feel so grateful for going through this experience. The best part was hearing my recipients voice for the first time, saying 'Thank you so much for giving me another chance at life.'" She shares how Latral's family has thanked her and made
her feel as if she has done something remarkable. She feels God prepared her all those years ago to help someone in need.
"It didn't matter that I didn't know who it was. God knew," shared Raykell.
In 2018, Latral and Raykell were
given the opportunity to meet for the first time at the Be The Match New York Soiree in front of a room full of Be The Match® supporters. The photos of the two of them embracing for the first time are more than words can describe, and something
nobody who witnessed it will ever forget.
Now, an indescribable bond between two women has begun.
