Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia: Davell's Story

Davell Hays

Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia
Plymouth, California
Transplanted in 2000 and 2001
 

Where are they now…we met Davell in 2005, when she was featured in the BMT InfoNet Celebrating Life Calendar – riding her quad motorcycle across the sand dunes. Fast forward 20 years and she is thriving and still believes each new day is a gift to be cherished.

When she was first diagnosed with Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia (WM), there were only 20 known cases in the US. Ten of those patients got together and formed the International Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation (IWMF), with a goal to provide support to those in need. Since that time over $30 million has been raised and devoted to research.

“I had two stem cell transplants in one year, which gave me a symptom-free life for 15 years. In that time, the researchers at IWMF developed the first treatment approved by the FDA to treat WM,” explains Davell.

“I never expected the medical community to do all the work – I did everything in my power to survive, including growing my own food, exercising, and becoming a partner with my doctor,” says Davell.

“I am blessed with two sons, James, and Eric and five grandchildren. My son Eric and I started a winery, Chateau Davell. It is a green winery -no chemicals are used on our grapes. We have been successful, and I find much joy in the people we meet and sharing our passion.”

“My first husband, Vern, passed away after a lengthy battle with dementia. I married Terry three years ago and since then we have visited 30 countries, bought a second home on the Oregon coast and work daily on our properties, growing our food and making our land a beautiful and serene place to live. We cherish each day, knowing that life can be short and have let the universe know we intend to live long healthy lives.”