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Alan Kraimer and Laura Hoffman
Alan: I was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia in March of 2014. Had chemotherapy, radiation therapy, a bone marrow transplant. You started off in the hospital as my nurse. When we first saw each other, we were like, “Hey, what are you doing here?” We just happened to know each other. So it was easier for me to get used to the whole thing with somebody that I actually knew. It was reassurance that I was gonna be all right.
Laura: When I saw your name on the board come in, I couldn't believe it. So I knew I had to go right to your room and reassure you that we were gonna get through this together.
Alan: I didn't know what leukemia was when I first got diagnosed. Well, that sounds bad. And as soon as they find out what you have, you start chemo that day. I'm like what? Every single day you’re nauseous and some days you just don’t feel like getting up.
Laura: And after a transplant, you've a whole new immune system, so you're like a baby again. Got all your immunizations over again.
Alan: 18 of them. I feel like brand new. You know, every day I was, I'm gonna beat this. I'm gonna fight it. And I'm not going to lose.
Laura: It makes all the difference.
Alan: Yeah.
Laura: We’ve moved out of the neighborhood that we grew up in.
Alan: We both have.
Laura: Do you feel very changed?
Alan: I'm more grateful for everything now and I think I'm more of a caring person now.
Laura: You were always caring, I think.
Alan: Yeah. But, you know, now I want to share my experiences with people and say, “I know what you're going through and I can probably give you some helpful tips like exercise more and keep your sense of humor. Don’t think about what could happen, think about what you’re going through now and how you’re going to make it through.” Without you, I wouldn't be here.
Laura: You would do it. You're an amazing patient. Even on the days you felt like crap, you still had a smile on your face. You’d embrace the day. You'd continue walking, moving, even if you didn't want to. And on the other side, it showed.
Alan: The support that you gave me was crucial to know that somebody is actually there and got your back.
Laura: Yeah, we have your back.
Alan: I couldn’t be more grateful for you.
