I felt like I was dreaming, like this had to be happening to another person.  I needed a transplant to survive but had no siblings who could serve as donors.  All the while, deep in my mind I knew I would overcome this crisis and go back to my life.  Thankfully, Gift of Life found my donor, my hero Mordechai right away.  When I heard I had a chance, thanks to this stranger, I was so excited that I cried.  On the day of the transplant, Mordechai’s blood stem cells arrived with a card from him that I will keep for the rest of my life, the life he gave me. 

Almost two years later, I met Mordechai in front of hundreds of people at the Partners for Life Gala.  When I finally saw him and his family, I knew my life now had insurance.  Mordechai is a kind and generous man.  He gave without any expectation of receiving anything in return.  He gave simply because of a deep will to help someone he knew nothing about. 

I love my donor.  He is the one who enabled me to live with my wonderful family, to see my first granddaughter, who is now one year old and to be there for my children who still need me.  My wife and I are proud to be a part of Gift of Life.  You are all such beautiful and generous people.  I cannot thank you enough for all you have done for me.