By Anita Spitz Slade

I was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Initially, I underwent chemotherapy treatments, but soon after, I learned I would need a bone marrow transplant from a stranger.

Talk about changing your life!

Someone then told me about Gift of Life. I called them and told them of my plight. Within three weeks, I was notified that they found me a "perfect match." Fifteen months after my transplant I met my bone marrow donor, my hero, Zev Steinberg. Gift of Life not only found my Zev for me and helped save my life, but also hosted a dinner (the first Partners for Life Gala!) where Zev and I met in front of hundreds of people.

Before we met, I only knew that Zev was a young man of 21 who was still in college. He wrote me a beautiful letter which arrived with his precious marrow. It was Purim. He called me "Esther" and made an analogy between Queen Esther and myself. Esther was struggling to save the Jewish people and I was struggling for my life. He is not only the most articulate, giving and personable young man I have met, but he is so dear to me and my family, that we consider each other family.

I am honored to have Zev's marrow running through my body. I am forever grateful to Gift of Life and Zev.