The Cowboy Ninja Warrior commits a life-saving act
Lance, blood stem cell donor, with his recipient, Ashley
The Cowboy Ninja Warrior commits a life-saving act
Original published date: 7/22/2022
A warrior spirit
Lance Pekus, known to millions as the Cowboy Ninja Warrior from NBC’s hit show “American Ninja Warrior,” faced a new challenge in 2020. He received the call that he was a match for a 35-year-old woman with leukemia in need of a blood stem cell transplant. Although he couldn’t recall what led him to join the NMDP RegistrySM, Lance knew one life-saving decision goes a long way.When Lance got that life-changing call, he immediately thought of his wife, Heather. Heather’s battle with multiple sclerosis left her wheelchair-bound and, over the years, had taught their family resilience. He was interested in moving forward with donation but with two small children to consider, Lance needed assurance that the donation process was safe, wouldn’t be a financial burden and wouldn’t have any long-term effects.
“NMDP is with you every step of the way to make you feel comfortable,” said Lance. Even though he had concerns about donating, staff at NMDPSM were able to provide the information he needed to confidently say “yes,” such as letting him know that all his costs would be covered.
“NMDP is with you every step of the way to make you feel comfortable,” said Lance. Even though he had concerns about donating, staff at NMDPSM were able to provide the information he needed to confidently say “yes,” such as letting him know that all his costs would be covered.
A mom struggles to overcome blood cancer
Ashley, a mother of two, had endured countless ER visits, a blood clot, fluid accumulation on her lung and eight strokes within 18 months. On her birthday in December 2019, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a cancer that was aggressive but had a cure: a blood stem cell transplant. “When I was going through it all, I was ready to just give up,” Ashley said. “I didn’t have any life left in me. But my dad kept telling me he can’t live without me, and I needed to stay strong for my kids and for him.”
Doctors searched for a donor within Ashley’s family and on the NMDP Registry. Human leukocyte antigens (HLA), proteins found on most cells in your body, are the key to matching donors and patients. By looking at those, doctors determined Lance was the best option for Ashley.
“I’m so thankful for Lance. He saved my life. I can actually walk again, now that everything is over,” said Ashley.
Doctors searched for a donor within Ashley’s family and on the NMDP Registry. Human leukocyte antigens (HLA), proteins found on most cells in your body, are the key to matching donors and patients. By looking at those, doctors determined Lance was the best option for Ashley.
“I’m so thankful for Lance. He saved my life. I can actually walk again, now that everything is over,” said Ashley.
Lance in the hospital on donation day
Lance has inspired millions as the Cowboy Ninja Warrior, but for him the greatest victory is knowing a little bit of good can go a long way. “I would do it again,” Lance said. “It was pain free and easy and rewarding—it’s just an exciting feeling to know you can give someone extra time to live and enjoy life.”
A heartwarming hello
Over a year after the donation, Lance finally met Ashley in her hometown of Quanah, Texas. As he walked through the doors of the restaurant, Ashley leapt to her feet, giving him a huge hug and a big smile. The two spent the day getting to know each other, discussing Ashley’s recovery, enjoying some sightseeing and meeting each other’s families.
“You’re a fighter. To be able to fight through so much and be sitting here with me today is just amazing,” said Lance. Ashley is looking forward to the future. She’s glad to be able to spend more time with her kids, to keep raising them and seeing them go to college. Lance is elated to be a part of Ashley’s journey in conquering a life-threatening disease. “For me to help in any way, I’m just honored,” said Lance.
“You’re a fighter. To be able to fight through so much and be sitting here with me today is just amazing,” said Lance. Ashley is looking forward to the future. She’s glad to be able to spend more time with her kids, to keep raising them and seeing them go to college. Lance is elated to be a part of Ashley’s journey in conquering a life-threatening disease. “For me to help in any way, I’m just honored,” said Lance.
For me to help in any way, I’m just honored.
Lance
You can take the first step to unlock the good by joining the registry. Together, we can create a world where every patient can receive their life-saving cell therapy.