Gina urgently needs a lifesaving peripheral blood stem cell donor – and it may be you! 

Gina does not currently have a match in the registry, and she and her family are partnering with Gift of Life Marrow Registry to help find her lifesaving hero. 

Her parents are from Egypt, so her best chance of a match is with those of North African ancestry.  

Gina, who is 59, grew up in New York and after attending Northeastern University and living in Boston for 13 years, moved to Northern California, where she met her husband Sam. They are now raising their two children, Noah and Sophie. Her career has been in Human Resources for a variety of industries, and she currently works with Paramedics and EMTs. 

Gina said, "Being witness to people saving lives is so rewarding to me, and yet, here I am asking people to help save my life. 

"Family has always been and continues to be the most important thing for me.  My friends on the east coast and west coast are family and there is nothing more enjoyable than spending time with them, playing sports, games and then eating a good meal. I love to travel, and my dream trip is a safari.

"I look forward to being at all my children’s life events as well as continuing to explore this amazing world of ours.

"I support myself by having a white heart on my ring finger over my manicure to remind myself of support, strength and love.   I have also adopted the motto:  It’s not going to be fun, but it will be fine."

How to help

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 free of charge. 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.
• Sponsor a swab kit. Click on the orange "Give to My Circle" button. Lab processing of every kit costs $60. Your contribution will help add new donors to the registry, who may be a match for Gina or another patient. 
• Spread the word. Use the gray "Share" button to the right to post Gina's story in your Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp accounts, or to copy the URL to share in email or other social media sites. The more people who order a swab kit and join the registry, the faster Gina will find a donor. 
• Click here to contact Gina's team with questions.