Cuban woman meets the bone marrow donor who saved her life in the United States.

The Cuban Niurdys Montenegro, 36 years old and residing in Miami, had an emotional meeting in Little Havana with Steven Metzler, the donor who saved her life after a bone marrow transplant performed in January 2023.

The journalist Alexis Boentes, from Telemundo 51, was present at this memorable first in-person meeting between Montenegro and Metzler. Due to medical protocols, they had only been in contact through text messages.

Montenegro arrived in the United States a decade ago, but three years ago her life changed drastically when she was diagnosed with leukemia.

He had a persistent pain in his leg and sought medical attention. At first, the disease seemed to recede with the chemotherapy sessions, but just when he thought the worst part was over, the cancer returned.

The second diagnosis was devastating. "If you don't find a donor, there's not much to be done," said the Cuban. Her only hope was a bone marrow transplant.

Fortunately, Metzler, who had registered as a potential donor eight years earlier, turned out to be a 100% match, which increased the chances of success.

Steven Metzler, a resident of North Carolina, had forgotten his registration as a donor until he received an email informing him of his compatibility with a patient.

"I immediately felt committed and willing to do whatever it took," he recalls. His commitment was vital for the Cuban, who describes the transplant process as complex, but full of hope.

This long-awaited reunion was made possible when Metzler flew to Miami with one of his daughters. "If it had been my family affected, I would have liked someone to do the same," the American expressed.

Montenegro, grateful, insists on the importance of donors to overcome this disease. "If more people donated bone marrow like they donate blood, it would be a great help," she said.

This Cuban continues her fight against cancer with immunotherapy, while holding on to the hope of overcoming this new challenge. "I want to live, and here I am," she expressed.

If you want to become a bone marrow donor, you can obtain more information through international nonprofit organizations.