Dearborn Co. Resident Who Had Life-Saving Stem Cell Transplant Will Meet Donor Virtually

Kristie (Gilb) Bipes is two years removed from the transplant and is doing well.

Kristie's Krusaders Facebook photo.

(Guilford, Ind.) – It has been about two years since Kristie (Gilb) Bipes received a life-saving stem cell transplant.

Bipes, a lifelong Dearborn County resident, was diagnosed in May of 2019 with Myelofibrosis (MF), a condition that impacts bone marrow and the production of much needed cells.

In 2021, she went to Houston to receive a stem cell transplant through the “Be The Match” organization. Bipes was there for about four months before returning home to Guilford in February of 2022.

Her husband, Tom, tells Eagle Country 99.3 that Kristie is doing well but it is still a long recovery process that takes about five years for full recovery.

He added that Kristie was able to find out who her stem cell donor was. His name is Sam Paulson, a young man in his 20’s from the United Kingdom.

The two are scheduled to have a Skype visit on Sunday.

“I just want to give a shout out to this young man for taking the time to sign up for Be The Match and because of his unselfish act, Kris is still with us here today. The doctors at MD Anderson told me that he was a 10 out of 10 match for her. So, I want to encourage anyone that reads this to consider reaching out to Be The Match to sign up to be a donor,“ said Tom Bipes. 

For more information on Be The Match, click here.

RELATED STORIES

Lifetime Dearborn Co. Resident Set to Return Home After Life-Saving Stem Cell Transplant

Lifelong Dearborn Co. Resident Receives Stem Cell Transplant Through Be The Match Program

More from Local News

Events

Volunteers Needed for Ohio River Sweep in Rising Sun

The litter clean-up event happens October 11.

Street Closures Announced for Lawrenceburg Fall Music Fest

The event runs Sept. 19-20 in Civic Park.

Life Center's Annula Hope 5K Set for October 18

The event supports neighbors facing addiction recovery, job loss, and other challenges

LHS Athletics, Tiger Basketball Seeking Sponsors for Annual Ray Furney Classic

The Ray Furney Classic will be played Jan. 2-3 at LHS and GMS.

Local Sports Report - September 15, 2025

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Travis Tritt - Here's a Quarter

Charly McClain Surround Me With Love 20:30
Miranda Lambert The House That Built Me 20:26
Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson Save Me 20:22
Faith Hill Wild One 20:20