Alise Mareerose Williams may just be 6-years-old, but she's already experienced more than most adults.
The young girl from Evansdale, Iowa, had two open heart surgeries by the time she was 16-months-old, after being diagnosed with a congenital heart defect when she was 2-months-old. Then, during a hospital stay, the young girl's blood tests indicated that she had a rare genetic disorder called Fanconi anemia, and her family was told she someday would need a bone marrow transplant to survive.
Her doctors searched the National Bone Marrow Registry in September 2008, and found three perfect matches for Alise - something that almost never happens. On Feb. 4, 2009, she received the transplant.
Now, although her fight is not over, Alise's health continues to improve.
The perfect match for Alise was 37-year-old Firefighter James Wildes from Engine 162.
The firefighter signed up to be a donor in 2002, when he was at the Fire Academy.
When the Registry called him, telling him he was a potential match, he said he was thrilled he could help and did not hesitate to be tested further. He donated his stem cells at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital on Feb. 3, 2009.
Almost exactly three years later, the two met for the first time during the eighth Honor Roll of Life induction ceremony at FDNY Headquarters on Jan. 25.
Six other firefighters' names also were added to the Honor Roll plaque during the ceremony for their bone marrow and stem cell donations in 2011, including Lt. Salvatore Belmonte, Lt. Joseph P. Collins, Lt. Michael Kimball, FF Kyle Esquirol, FF Joseph Bordt and FF Francis Morrisey. There currently are 140 FDNY members' names on the plaque - some of whom have donated several times.
"This is one of the most exciting events that we celebrate each year," said Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano. "These FDNY members gave a part of themselves to save the life of someone else."
More than 8,000 FDNY members have signed up with the registry and representatives from the New York Blood Center (NYBC) said that 13 percent of all bone marrow donors are FDNY members.
"I always say that we can all be donors and we may all be patients," said Dr. Christopher Hillyer, President and CEO of the NYBC. "And FDNY members step up every time they are called."
Chairman of the NYBC's Board of Trustees Howard Milstein added, "Your heroism and dedication are an inspiration to all of us."
After Firefighter Wildes met Alise, he said, "I can't describe the feeling. To know I saved her, it's unbelievable."
He attended the ceremony with his wife, Mary, and their two children, Christian, 4, and Meagan, 16-months.
"I can't imagine what their family is going through," he said.
Alise's mother, Debra, father, Troy, and 12-year-old brother, C.J., also attended the ceremony.
"I have no words," Ms. Williams said. "I just keep saying 'thank you.' She's here today because of him. It's above and beyond a miracle."
She urged everyone to sign up to donate, "You never know who your match will be. Who would have thought a New York City firefighter would match a little Iowa girl?"
Mr. Williams said he was overwhelmed to meet his daughter's hero.
"Words can't describe it," he said. "I've seen my little girl die twice. If it wasn't for this man here today, she wouldn't be here."
Although Alise was a little overwhelmed by the attention she received, she had two words to describe how she felt after the ceremony: "I'm happy."
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