Working for Gift of Life this semester has been one of the most rewarding experiences and I’ve truly felt honored to be a part of such an amazing organization. The CAP community is unbelievably supportive and to witness a group of over 100 college students working towards the same goal is an unexplainable feeling. Although some donor drives are more successful than others, I’ve grown to understand that every little bit makes a difference. Each person that we are able to add to the registry could be the next possible lifesaver for someone in need.

When I met Sami, a 7-year-old girl battling a very rare blood disease, I was overwhelmed with emotion and from that moment it became clear that embarking on this mission was a no-brainer. People needed our help and we had the power to make a difference. Each time I go to speak to a different group of people about Gift of Life and what I do, that overwhelming feeling resurfaces and reminds me that there are so many people like Sami who need a fighting chance. There have definitely been the good days and the bad and I think the hardest thing I’ve had to learn to hear is the word no. But it’s made me stronger and it’s truly pushed me to do more and to get 20 yeses for every no I receive.

Although I am going into my last semester at college, I want to continue to be a part of this mission to change lives. There is not going to be an end point until everyone has the opportunity to find his or her personal lifeline and I pledge to continue to work to find a match for anyone, anywhere, anytime.