Julie saved a stranger's life by donating blood stem cells
Mar 22, 2013 by Gift of Life
Donor Story
Towards the beginning of Julie’s freshman year at college, she came across a Gift of Life bone marrow donor drive being held on campus and signed up immediately. She explained, “I come from a family where most everyone is an organ donor—I guess the decision was inherited.” While she hoped she would match a patient who needed a transplant, she didn’t think it was likely. Not only did she match, but it happened rather quickly—Julie got the call from Gift of Life just nine months later!
When asked how her recipient must have felt having to rely on the kindness of a stranger for a potentially life-saving treatment, Julie explained, “We all need help sometimes, we all have hard times and bad days. I have relied on my family, friends, and even strangers, too. This was just in a medical sense.”
Julie donated peripheral blood stem cells in January 2013 and said, “While there were times that I was frightened of the medical procedure, I never questioned whether I would proceed. A couple days of your time means the world to someone else.” Three of Julie’s friends not only drove up to the hospital to be with her during the donation, they also graffitied her Gift of Life blanket, making it one-of-a-kind.
Nineteen year old Julie is from Upstate New York and attends school at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA, where she is studying biomedical engineering. In her spare time she enjoys running, cooking, and baking (she jokingly added that she hopes the running cancels out all of the cooking). While Julie and her recipient have not yet communicated with one another, she hopes they will be in touch someday soon.
Following her experience, Julie feels strongly about encouraging others to volunteer as donors. She said, “It can be scary, and it isn't a decision one should take lightly, but it is completely worth it to the person receiving your help.”
