Before Skye Savren-McCormick even turned one, she was diagnosed with juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia, a rare and violent form of childhood cancer. Having to encounter almost-daily blood and platelet transfusions, Skye was in a desperate need of a bone marrow transplant - without it, she only had a 10% chance of survival.
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In 2016, Skye's parents got the amazing news they had been eagerly waiting for - the doctors found a match for her transplant.
Hayden Hattfield - now Hayden Ryals - registered as a bone marrow donor in 2015 whilst trying to find a new purpose in her life. Almost a year later, she received a phone call to find out that she was the perfect match for a young patient. Hayden underwent surgery shortly afterwards when the doctors were finally able to carry out Skye's transplant the very next day.
Despite the transplant surgery, Skye had a very difficult road ahead when her family were informed that she developed post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, a lymphoma which commonly develops as a result of a transplant. However, doctors were able to continue treating Skye following with chemotherapy and further bone marrow transplants. Even though Skye faced further complications, she wouldn't have met her road to recovery if it wasn't for Hayden's donation.
On Skye's third birthday, she received a very special gift. A Frozen Elsa doll, a Troll's blanket and a wedding invitation. And it wasn't just anybody's wedding - it was Hayden's. Skye became a very special guest at Hayden's wedding. As Hayden walked down the aisle, Skye stood before her as her flower girl.
“It was like a fairy tale,” the bride said.
“ I thought, ‘I can’t believe I’m finally meeting this little girl.’ . . . It was unreal. It was magical.”
The new Hayden Ryals received a wonderful gift from Skye and her parents - agolden locket with the message "this heart beats with yours".
After creating such a special bond with Skye and her family, the new happy bride Hayden continues to stay in touch with them. And Skye's parents couldn't be happier.
“It’s sort of like we got a new family in Alabama and it’s been joyous.”
