Every October, my thoughts turn to my fellow Syracuse Greek sister, Annie Eisner. Annie was a bright, resilient public relations student at the Newhouse School who loved her birthday month so much that she celebrated it all October long. 

While battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Annie became a Campus Ambassador for the Gift of Life Marrow Registry, tirelessly encouraging her peers to swab their cheeks and join the registry. Sadly, after 44 months of incredible courage and two failed transplants, Annie lost her battle on August 25, 2023. 

But Annie’s mission didn't stop. To keep her sparkling spirit alive, Gift of Life partners with the Annietober 365 Foundation every October to run bone marrow registry drives. 

I am asking all of my followers to please honor Annie’s memory by taking the very first step to potentially saving a life: register to become a donor.

• It takes 2 minutes.
• It’s a simple cheek swab.
  

75% of patients fighting blood cancers cannot find a match within their family. They rely entirely on a stranger like you to survive. You could be the literal cure that gives someone another birthday.

Details about joining the registry:

• Join the registry! Click on the blue "Join Registry" button. 
  • Donors in general good health between 18 and 35 years old may join the registry. Donors over the age of 35 can also join, but we ask that you to please donate $60 to offset the lab fees – Click here to learn why.  
  • Eighty percent of donors requested by transplant centers are 18 to 35 years old for medical reasons – Click here to learn why Age Matters.
  • Donors can remain in the registry until their 61st birthday – Click here to learn why the registry has an Age Limit.
  • Certain medical conditions may mean you are not able to join the registry or donate – Click here to check the Conditions List. If you're not sure, a health history questionnaire is part of the registration process.
• Spread the word. Use the social media links to the right to share Chloe's story. The more people who order a swab kit and join the registry, the faster Rose will find a donor.