A touching reunion unfolded on Wednesday at Children’s Hospital as 8-year-old Sophie Cromer met her bone marrow donor, Maycie Fuselier, in a heartfelt encounter that moved both of them to tears.

The two shared a long-anticipated hug, symbolizing not only the conclusion of a life-saving journey but also the start of a meaningful connection.

Sophie was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia in September 2022, leaving her with just one hope for a cure: a bone marrow transplant. After an extensive search for a match, the Cromer family received a miracle when they found that Fuselier, who had registered as a donor three years earlier, was a perfect match.

Fuselier vividly remembers the moment she learned the news. “I felt so nervous and immediately called my dad. He told me to pray about it, which I did. I’m really happy I agreed,” she reflected.

In January 2023, Sophie underwent the transplant. After nearly two years of recovery, she is finally relishing the simple pleasures of childhood once more. Her mother, Candace Cromer, expressed deep gratitude for the life-saving procedure, highlighting that Sophie has even begun her first dance class this fall—something she had to forgo during her illness due to low platelet counts and frequent bruising.

The reunion was an emotional affair for both Sophie and Fuselier. “I just couldn’t stop crying, and she was crying and looking up at me,” Fuselier recalled, describing the overwhelming experience. This moment was particularly significant for the hospital, marking the first in-person meeting between a donor and recipient since the pandemic began.

Dr. Hilary Haines, Sophie’s physician and associate professor at UAB, encapsulated the essence of such moments: “These are the days that motivate us through the difficult times.”

Check out the video below!