Daniel Greer’s donor describes him as ‘incredibly brave’ in heart-warming message to his family
A German woman who donated her stem cells to Newry teenager Daniel Greer, recently reached out to his family to express her sorrow for their loss, describing Daniel as ‘incredibly brave’.
Daniel sadly passed in September 2024, after a courageous battle against leukemia. During his battle, Daniel’s family launched the ‘Do It For Daniel’ campaign which encouraged people from all over the world to sign up to get themselves on the register to donate potentially life-saving blood, bone marrow or stem cells.
Suzanne MeiBner was the match who was found for Daniel, and although he sadly passed, her transplant allowed him a second chance at life. Suzanne reached out to Daniel’s family with a heart-warming message, which they shared to their social media channels this week.
‘Dear Anne, Paul and James, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. There are no words that can truly express how heartbreaking this is,’ she wrote.
‘Your son was incredibly brave. Knowing that his wish was to meet me and give me a hug has touched my heart more than I can say. Even though the rules did not allow us to meet in time, please know that he was never just a donor or a case to me – he was a real person, a young boy full of courage and hope.
‘I am grateful beyond words that I was able to be part of his journey, even for a short while. He will always have a place in my heart, and I will never forget him.
‘Thank you for allowing me to be connected to your son’s life. My thoughts are with you. #DoIfForDaniel’.
Daniel’s family thanked Suzanne for her message, and continued to encourage everyone to sign up to the DKMS register.
‘Behind every transplant is a real person who once took a few minutes to register and, when the call came, said yes. This incredible donor donated her stem cells to Daniel, giving him a second chance at life.
‘She is living proof that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. One decision. One donation. One life can be changed forever.
‘Thank you for being someone’s reason to keep pushing. Thank you for being hope.
‘If you’re not yet registered, please consider it – you could be the match someone is desperately waiting for’.