Tech Holds Special Ceremony for Sick Grad

     Thousands of Texas Tech seniors got their diplomas this weekend, but one graduate couldn't make it to the ceremony because she's in the hospital battling a life-threatening disease. Of course, Texas Tech officials didn't let that stop them from giving her the graduation day she deserved. When President Jon Whitmore heard one of his seniors was too sick to make it out to graduation at the United Spirit Arena, he took matters into his own hands.  He not only personally brought her her diploma.  He held a graduation ceremony just for her, right in her hospital room.

       Graduating from college was a day Anna Thomas had been dreaming about since childhood and actually working toward for the past 4 years at Texas Tech.   Then suddenly,about 2 weeks ago, all the dreams she had for herself and the plans she'd made seemed to be fading away.

      On December 6th, doctors diagnosed Anna with severe aplastic anemia.   It's a disease of the bone marrow in which it stops making enough red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets for the body.  Doctors say since Anna's case is severe that means she's at risk of life threatening infections and bleeding.  Anna's father tells us, "She will be in the hospital until she receives a bone marrow transplant." 

      And even though Anna had convinced herself being hosptial bound and sick meant no graduation ceremony, Texas Tech President Jon Whitmore and Dean Linda Hoover proved otherwise.  They brought the ceremony right to her hospital room at UMC.  Anna says, "I was the only graduate in the room. I loved it."  Her father, Russell Thomas, was impressed by how much the university reached out to his daughter. "It shows you what a personal, hands on school Tech is ... They're interested in your well-being and your success in life."

        And despite this setback, Anna, her family, and friends still believe success in her life is possible.  She says, "Hopefully I'll start to do better.We'll see alot of progress. I have a lot of hope."  Her father continues, "With this great care, [at UMC] and use of great prayers, and the healing power of our Lord, she will overcome this."  So until she does, Anna says she'll hold onto her dreams of returning to her job at the Center for Addiction and Recovery at Tech and starting grad school there in the summer because this weekend the university helped prove her dreams can still come true.  She says, "I couldn't have asked for a better graduation ... I have big plans as long I can get through these next few months, safely."  Her father adds, "She's destined to do good."

      Both of Anna's sisters were tested on Friday to see if they can donate bone marrow for her transplant, but the results won't be back for a few weeks.  That means Anna still has months of waiting and recovering in the hospital.  We're told all of you can help Anna during this time by donating blood at United Blood Services located at 2523 48th Street.  Make sure you tell them you're donating for Anna Thomas.