In 2018, Corpus Christi native Ticia Hanisch was diagnosed with leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and told she needed a stem cell transplant in order to survive. Well known in the community for her wide brimmed hats, big smile, and an unending philanthropic dedication to improving the lives of those around her, the community rallied behind her to host donor drives in hopes of finding Ticia her perfect match.

That match came from halfway across the world in the form of Dominik Brandenburg, a man from Essen, Germany who had registered as a stem cell donor years prior. Upon being notified he was a match for Ticia, he had a choice to make. His wife at the time was pregnant and due around the same time he would need to make his donation. Both agreed that even if she went into labor, he would still go through the donation process to save Ticia’s life. Dominik’s daughter was born in July, and Ticia was reborn in August thanks to Dominik’s selfless donation.

It has been over three and a half years since Ticia’s transplant, and the two have been anxiously waiting for the time the would finally get the chance to hug and say thanks to one another. On March 9th, 2023 the two finally got the chance to meet at Ticia’s home in Corpus Christi, TX.

DKMS: We Delete Blood Cancer.
DKMS is an international not for profit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders by: creating awareness; recruiting bone marrow donors to provide a second chance at life; raising funds to match donor registration costs; supporting the improvement of therapies through research; and supporting patients from day one of their diagnoses.

Register to be a Stem Cell Donor here:
https://www.dkms.org/registernow

Learn more about DKMS here:
https://www.dkms.org/about

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