A beautiful morning greeted runners and walkers on Sunday, January 22, 2023, as Gift of Life held its 13th annual Steps for Life 5k Run & Walk of South Florida. More than 600 participants, supporters, and volunteers gathered at Florida Atlantic University Stadium for the event. The high point of the morning was the emotional moment when a leukemia survivor met the man whose blood stem cell donation saved his life.

The event raised more than $225,000 to add new stem cell and marrow donors to the registry, so the lives of those battling blood cancer, sickle cell, and inherited immune disorders can be saved.

New Jersey man meets Florida stem cell donor who saved his life

The two were introduced by the Steps for Life founders and co-chairs Dana Aberman, Donna Krasner and Wendy Schulman.  They welcomed Peter to the stage and shared his story. 

A resident of Allentown, N.J., the 61-year-old husband and father of two adult sons was diagnosed in March 2021 with Acute Myeloid Leukemia after battling fatigue and dizziness. He was hopeful, however, when he learned that treatment was possible via a stem cell transplant. 

Peter’s doctor believed that the bone marrow registry would offer a good chance at a match, and he was right. A match was quickly found in Gift of Life’s registry, and the transplant occurred at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. 

“Finding a match was, of course, a big relief,” said Peter. “Now, there will always be a bond between us.” 
That matching donor was Tory Foster, a 34-year-old Floridian from The Villages, who joined the registry in 2019 while attending a Misfits Gaming League of Legends Watch Party. A year and a half later, he received a phone call saying that he was a match for a man battling leukemia and was asked if he’d be willing to donate.

“I instantly said yes. All I wanted to do was help,” said Tory “I was very happy to do something like this for someone. I’ve always wanted to help people, and this was the ultimate way of helping someone.”

Tory donated peripheral blood stem cells at the Adelson Collection Center located in Gift of Life’s headquarters in August 2021, but due to federal regulations, donors and recipients must remain anonymous for the first year – so this moment was one of great anticipation for both of them. 

When Tory came up on stage, the two men shared a hug and were clearly filled with joy and excitement.  
“I loved working with Gift of Life,” said Tory. “I advocate on my social media for anyone who will listen to join the registry and become a donor – you could be the reason that someone sees tomorrow.” 

Community support for Steps for Life 

Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer kicked off the event with a warm welcome, and emphasized how important it is to be a member of the registry.

Singing the National Anthem was high school senior Jazlynn Quraan of Miami, and presenting the flag were Holden Chmil (Blue Lake Elementary), Brian Greenspon and Emerson Klein (Coral Reef Elementary). 

WPTV Channel 5 anchor and Emmy award-winning journalist Stephanie Susskind served as the master of ceremonies for the day. Thank you, Stephanie! 

Thank you, as well, to the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Department for supplying the Pink Pumper.  

Superhero Sprint and Kids Zone

To launch the race portion of the event, a group of excited children lined up to run the Superhero Sprint. Every one of Gift of Life’s mini-heroes received a bright orange cape to wear while running the 50-yard dash. The petting zoo was incredibly popular, with kids having the opportunity to meet barnyard animals including a goat, rabbits, and piglets. The Kids Zone also featured face painting and a bounce house. 

5k Run & Walk

Participants from all over South Florida ran, walked or cheered people on, with walkers following the 5k runners out of the starting line to follow the course around the beautiful Florida Atlantic University campus.  
The top male finishers were Seth Foreman and Yosef Platt. Top female finishers were Emily Daycock and Vikki Livingston.  

Thanks to Accuchip for timing our 5k.  Click here to see all race results. 

Event Sponsors

Gift of Life thanks our generous sponsors for their support of Steps for Life. Your involvement with our mission helps to save lives.
 

Gallery

Click here to view the event photo gallery.  
 

Stem Cell donor Tory Foster's swab kit was sponsored by the Misfits Gaming Donor Circle.

We look forward to seeing you at the
Steps for Life 5k of South Florida
on January 21, 2024