Matthea, 23, had the incredible opportunity to help save the life of a woman her own age who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.  “When I swabbed during my first semester at Emory University, I definitely went into it thinking I would never get called; I didn’t think I would ever have to cross that bridge,” said Matthea. “When I got the call that I matched someone, I was in the middle of physical therapy, and it was overwhelming, I was crying – I didn’t know how to feel. There is really a huge impact in learning that you’re actually going to get the chance to save someone’s life.”  But when it came down to it, Matthea found making that decision was easy. “It was pretty simple, I knew this was something I would need to fit in, even though I was going into graduation season and felt kind of overwhelmed,” she said. “I just couldn’t say no to saving someone’s life.”  Matthea also had an excellent donation experience.  “Donating at Gift of Life’s center has been awesome,” she said. “I got to catch up with a friend who moved to the area a couple years ago, and I spent a day at the beach. I recommend joining the registry to anyone – there are no strings attached. Let the emotions you feel if you ever get the call dictate if it’s the right decision for you.”

Abbott, 21, is a college student at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.  “I swabbed during a drive in the fall semester of 2024 and then about 10 months later got a text that I was a match,” said Abbott. “My recipient is a man in his 30s diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and it seemed like a great opportunity.”  All donors may bring a companion with them, and Abbott brought a college friend to keep him company during the collection, which can take four to six hours. “We could not have wished for a better weekend; it was cold in Nashville, but when we got off the plane in Florida it was 80 degrees,” said Abbott. “We went straight to the beach, then the next day at the collection we had some great food and enjoyed watching a movie.” But most of his thoughts were actually on his recipient. “Before you learn about this, it can seem scary to donate,” he said. “However, this is for a really good cause. I think people should just put their fears aside and realize that you’re saving someone’s life. This is a cause bigger than yourself, and when will  you ever have the chance to do something like this again?”

Maria, 21,  is not only a donor, but she’s also a Campus Ambassador for Gift of Life at Cornell University. “I joined the registry just eight months before donating,” said Maria. “Learning I was a match was really exciting and a little nerve-wracking; I couldn’t believe it, honestly. I had just got to college, so I wasn’t thinking about anything besides classes.”  Maria had no trouble deciding to go forward. “I thought that if anyone I knew were in this situation, one of my siblings, or me, I would want someone to step forward,” she said. “The person I matched is someone else’s family member, so I wanted to do it for them. It was super exciting to be able to help my recipient, who is a woman in her 30s with leukemia.” Maria’s collection was done at Gift of Life’s headquarters in Boca Raton, Fla.  “I came in from Vermont, so I spent time outside getting some sun, going to the pool and exploring the area,” said Maria. “I have family and friends who live there, so I saw them as well.”  She has some advice for others who are interested in donating. “I say definitely do it, because you never know the amount of good you’re doing for someone, both now and for their future.”