Nashville Predators fans had the unique experience of witnessing the emotional introduction of a 4-year-old blood cancer survivor and her family to her lifesaving Gift of Life Marrow Registry stem cell donor on February 26 at Bridgestone Arena. This event was part of the Predators’ annual Pediatric Cancer Awareness Night.

Transplant recipient Sophia Alfano was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) after having almost constant fevers and illnesses for months. The entire family was doubly frightened when they learned they were not close enough matches to be donors themselves. Her mother Jessica, who was eight months pregnant at the time, moved into the hospital room with Sophia.

“When we were given the news that a donor was found and they had agreed to donate, we didn’t care that it was a stranger,” said Jessica. “She put someone else’s needs before her own, and that is a true act of kindness.” 

That selfless donor was Clarabelle “Bella” Watson, 22, who joined the registry at Vanderbilt University in March 2022 during a drive organized by Gift of Life Campus Ambassadors and the student organization Hillel.

“To be able to register with just a simple cheek swab, I couldn’t pass it up,” said Bella. “When I got the call that I was a match, it was incredibly humbling. I felt awe that something in my blood might be able to help someone who was so young.”

When the moment finally arrived to meet each other during a break in the hockey game, Sophia and Jessica were spotlighted as the announcer explained Sophia’s transplant story, and then Bella was asked to come forward.

The two embraced, and then it was mom’s turn as Jessica gave Bella a huge hug and thanked her for saving Sophia’s life.

After their introduction, the pair was interviewed during the game intermission. They now look forward to beginning their journey of getting to know each other.

Throughout the game Gift of Life had recruitment tables set up at the arena where fans could complete a swab kit and join the registry for their own chance to save a life. The drive was manned by Gift of Life Campus Ambassadors from Vanderbilt University and volunteers from Hillel.

Since 2020, the Nashville Predators hockey team has partnered with Gift of Life to facilitate introductions between blood cancer patients and the stem cell and marrow donors who saved their lives. Events like these are often held in November during Hockey Fights Cancer month, to help bring awareness to the need for more donors so that every person can find a match.

Bella is a resident of Southern California where she works at a space startup seeking to be the first to mine asteroids. She loves outdoor activities like camping and hiking, and her current hobby is boxing. She is studying for her private pilot’s license.

Sophia and her family – parents Daniel and Jessica, and siblings Justin and Charlotte, live in New Jersey. According to Jessica, Sophia’s favorite occupation is PLAY…PLAY…PLAY!