By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
While people sneak peeks at gifts under their Christmas tree, Kortne Waginger knows what her best gift will be. It will not be wrapped in shiny paper or tied with a bow, but the 2008 Hayesville High School graduate will receive her ultimate gift in a hospital, courtesy of her younger brother, Alex Walsh. When he was found to be the closest match to his older sister, the young man shared stem cells so she could have a chance of surviving.
In March, 30-year-old Waginger was diagnosed with a blood cancer, Myelodysplastic Syndrome. As an oncology nurse, her research showed a stem cell transplant can treat MDS. However, three reputable medical institutions informed her she was too high risk, with a dangerously mutated cancer and would not survive a transplant. One physician even told her to enjoy the rest of her life, which would probably be less than six months. “I am stubborn, these doctors do not know me,” she said. “They just knew the paper test results and I refused to allow them to take all hope away from me.”
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