Invisible Bonds Of Kindness
In February 2023, Carolyn Binker, a 41-year-old wife and mother of two from Cutler Bay, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia after previously battling breast cancer five years earlier.
"I was extremely angry and devastated," says Binker. "Our family had been through so much with my previous cancer diagnosis, and I worked so hard to beat that, it was like a slap in the face. It was extremely unfair that we had to face this monster yet again, even in a different form."
Binker's best chance of overcoming the aggressive disease was a stem cell transplant. Although no family members were compatible, she soon found her lifesaving match: Erik Haugen, a 25-year-old from Mill Creek, Wash.
Haugen joined the Gift of Life Marrow Registry in 2017 as a freshman at California Lutheran University, following in his cousin's footsteps. While enrolled in his first year of a physical therapy graduate program at Regis University in Denver, Colo., he learned he was a match.
"My family, especially my mom, was incredibly excited and interested in the whole process," Haugen recalls. "My friends thought it was really cool to donate and were jealous I was missing class for it. My professors were extremely supportive and excited for me as well."
After the mandatory one-year waiting period required by medical anonymity laws, Binker and Haugen met at the crowded hockey arena, cheered on by thousands of fans.
"I don't think there are enough words or accolades on this planet to thank [him] for making the choice to donate and help save my life," says Binker.
"Being able to help provide a life-supporting treatment to someone in need is an incredible feeling. Donating is so easy and simple — there's really no reason not to sign up for the registry," Haugen adds.
