Missouri woman fulfills mother’s wish to visit New England

When the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society contacted Danbury resident Mary Teicholz in 2014 to see if she would be willing to speak to a person who was recently diagnosed with MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndromes), a rare type of blood cancer, Mary was more than willing to speak to her since she was also diagnosed with the same disease in 2006 followed by a bone marrow transplant and could share her experiences with her.

Catherine Kelly, 49, of West Plains, Missouri, received a bone marrow transplant after her diagnosis which is often the medical procedure used to cure the disease. When Mary first called her two months before the transplant, no one could imagine that a special bond would develop between the two. Mary stayed in contact with her regularly to see how she was progressing. The two shared stories about their families, their lives, and their battle with the disease.

Tragically, Mary received a call in the early fall of 2014 from Cathy’s daughter, Amanda, and was told that her mother had passed away from complications from the transplant. “It hit me hard. I was shocked when I received the call,” Teicholz said. “She had such a great attitude and told me that when she recovered, she wanted to come and visit and experience fresh seafood and have New England clam chowder.”

Within weeks of Cathy’s passing, Mary attended the “Light The Night” event held in Newtown at the Fairfield Hills Campus, an event organized by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to honor those who have survived the disease and to remember those who have passed away. Participants are asked to carry an illuminated balloon during the walk; a red balloon for supporters, a white balloon for survivors, and a gold balloon for those who have passed. To honor Cathy’s passing, Mary not only carried a white balloon for herself, but carried a gold balloon as well.

Mary thought that Amanda would like to know that her mother was honored at the event with a balloon and sent a picture of her holding it. “I was very touched when I received your picture,” said Amanda Grayson, 38, also of West Plains, Missouri. “My mama was a pretty amazing lady. She enjoyed talking with you and said that she felt like she had known you forever,” she continued.

Amanda said that her mother had mentioned to her that she wanted to visit Mary when she was able. Amanda contacted Mary in August of 2018 saying that she wanted to follow through on her mom’s wishes to have New England clam chowder. Plans were made and in July of 2019, Amanda arrived In Connecticut. The two spent time together at the Danbury Mall, visited the Mark Twain House in Hartford, and afterwards, went to Captain Lou’s Chowda House in Bethel for clam chowder. Amanda never had clam chowder before and didn’t think she would like it, but after the first taste said that it was really good.

Amanda returned to Missouri the following day. She posted on Facebook, “I had my clam chowder for my mama! I know this isn’t my last trip to Connecticut. Mary, I know my mama was smiling. You were such a blessing to her and you continue to be for me as well.”

Please visit www.bethematch.org for more information about becoming a bone marrow donor.