New Bedford woman meets German man who saved her life with stem cell donation

NEW BEDFORD – Deborah Sousa has no doubt that miracles do happen. She is a living example.

“I wouldn’t be here right now if it wasn’t for him. He saved my life. It’s amazing,” said the New Bedford grandmother of six.

Seven years ago, she was given only three months to live after being diagnosed with cancer. “I had to see a specialist, which I did. And then he did a bone marrow biopsy, and he told me I had acute leukemia and if I didn’t get help I would be dead in three months,” Sousa said. .

Just three days before her grim diagnosis, 29-year-old Christian Stober in Germany decided to make a stem cell donation that just happened to be the perfect match for Sousa. A month later, her level improved.

“Before you knew it – 3 months later – I was cancer free. It’s a wonderful feeling to be alive,” she said.

Sousa was determined to thank the stranger who saved her from all over the world. Five years ago they got in touch through letters and text messages and have been friends ever since. This summer, Stober and his family took a trip to Boston, and the two came face to face for the first time.

“We were standing by the window waiting for him to come. How do you thank someone who gave you life, you know?’ she said. The two families celebrated a great feast. They visited museums and made lasting memories. “We invited him to come and live in our home with his wife and three children – wonderful family.”

Sousa is so grateful for her second chance at life and has a very important message for others facing similar circumstances: “Never give up. Help is out there. Please, I wish more people would donate. to do. It costs you nothing.”