Oklahoma Commission for Human Services Commends Child Welfare Supervisor Linda Johnson for Bone Marrow Donation

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --- The Oklahoma Commission for Human Services presented Linda S. Johnson, Oklahoma Department of Human Services child welfare supervisor, Oklahoma County 55D, with a commendation at its Dec. 6 meeting. Johnson donated bone marrow that helped a 10-year-old Houston girl overcome Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
“We commend Linda for her selflessness and for her dedication outside of her regular work responsibilities to carrying out the mission of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services,” said Richard DeVaughn, OCHS chairman.

Johnson volunteered to be a bone marrow donor a few years ago when the Oklahoma Blood Institute held a blood drive at the Oklahoma county office. In August 2004, OBI contacted Johnson saying she was a perfect match for a person needing blood marrow.

“I really wasn’t sure what I was getting into,” said Johnson, a 14-year OKDHS veteran. “I’d never been in the hospital before and I felt a little leery. But one of my workers was a kidney recipient at one time and he said I needed to do it.”

Johnson donated bone marrow in a three-hour operation in August 2004. Two OBI staff members and her best friend, Oklahoma County 55B Director Vicki Williams, supported Johnson.

OKDHS offers employees organ donor leave and allows five working days to serve as a bone marrow donor.

Johnson said she was always curious about her recipient, but OBI policy is to maintain confidentiality for a year. In August 2005, Johnson signed a release form allowing the recipient to contact her. In October, the young girl emailed Johnson.

“Dear Linda, It’s me … the kid you donated marrow to. How are you doing? I hope well because I am doing great! Ever since the transplant my cancer has not come back, you could have saved my life. YOU are my hero!!! Even if I don’t know you, you already have a place in my heart.”

Johnson said, “I felt like it was a wonderful thing to do – I like to give – and I was blessed to do it. I’d do it again if they asked.”

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