Gift of Life Marrow Registry works with many high schools and youth organizations to invite young people 18 years and older to swab their cheeks, and for younger students to pre-register to receive a swab kit after their 18th birthday. 

Owens was a high school student in 2018, participating in the Youth in Government Program in Orlando, Fla., which is organized by the YMCA, when Gift of Life made a presentation to his group. That day, 124 students joined the registry.

“I thought there was no reason not to join,” said Owens. “If I never matched anyone then there’s no difference, but I might as well be available in case I can help someone, which ended up being the case.”

The exciting call that he was a match for a man in his 60s battling acute myelogenous leukemia came in April 2022, while he was at home.

“I was in my apartment when Gift of Life reached out, and it took me a second to process it because it was about four years since I had joined,” said Owens. “My reaction was, ‘I now have an opportunity to potentially save a life, and that is worth doing whatever is required.’”

Stem cell donations make up more than 90 percent of these lifesaving transplants, and more than 70 diseases from blood cancer to sickle cell to inherited immune disorders can be cured. Only 10 percent of donations today are for marrow, typically only requested for children. Stem cell collection is similar to donating other blood products, where a needle in one arm draws blood into the apheresis machine where the required cells are collected, then the remaining blood is returned to the donor via the other arm.

Although Owens is a little uncomfortable around needles, he was absolutely committed to donating stem cells.

“I just sat back and rested as I watched a movie and the machine did its job,” he said. “The process was great overall, and the staff were amazing and kind – I had everything I needed to be comfortable. My recovery went well, too, my arms were sore at first but within a few hours I was feeling better.”

Owens has been modest about sharing his experience with others, keeping the news to a small group, who have said they appreciate his willingness to help a stranger. He also feels that donating has given him a new perspective.

“The experience brought me a realization about how I see myself helping people more broadly,” said Owens. “If I have the capacity or opportunity to help, from just a small task to something as impactful as donating stem cells, I should do whatever I can to make it happen.”

Owens is currently a college student at the University of Florida and works as a supervisor at a national restaurant franchise. He is involved in a student-led nonpartisan group that engages in public policy research and advocacy for college students in Florida. He also enjoys cooking, working out and reading manga.