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In February 2006, I received a phone call from Barby at Gift of Life. She told me about the Partners for Life Gala in New York and asked if I would be interested in attending to meet my donor in front of 600 people. Without hesitating, I responded “I would love to come.” This was obviously the opportunity of a lifetime, to finally meet the person who had given me a second chance at life.
On May 4, 2006 at New York’s Grand Hyatt Hotel, 19 months after my bone marrow transplant, I finally came face to face with my hero, Michael Striegold. I remember feeling both nervous and excited at the same time as Daniel Arbess, Founding Partner of Xerion Partners, introduced me to my blood stem cell donor for the first time. Prior to meeting Michael, all that I knew of him was that he was 30 years old. What I could be sure of was that he was a truly remarkable human being with a huge heart to go through this amazing stem cell collection process for a complete stranger.
Michael has given me a great deal more than blood stem cells. He has given me another chance to be with my family, another chance to get back on the tennis court, another chance to start my own family, another chance to accomplish my dreams and most importantly, he has given me a second chance at life.
In the days following the Partners for Life Gala, Michael and I spent much quality time together. Gift of Life hosted a beautiful brunch on Friday morning where Michael and I were able to sit down and really get to know each other. After the brunch, Michael and I explored some sites in NY including the South Street Seaport, Wall Street, even making a stop at Ground Zero. Gift of Life’s Graphics Coordinator, Jeff Rausch accompanied us on our day trip, where he took some wonderful photographs of us together that I will treasure forever.
I am extremely grateful for the incredible opportunity Gift of Life gave me to meet my amazing donor, Michael. I would like to thank all the staff at the Gift of Life who not only found my perfect match and helped save my life, but who organized the Partners for Life Gala, an event I will remember all my life.
Michael, I want to thank you for the priceless gift you have given me. You have a very special place in my heart and you will always be a part of me. May this union be the beginning of a very long and lasting friendship.
