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More than 1,000 participate in Steps for Life 5k of South Florida

Jan 28, 2025 by Gift of Life News

Gift of Life Marrow Registry welcomed its largest crowd ever to the annual Steps for Life 5k on Sunday, January 26, 2025.  More than 1,000 participants and supporters enjoyed the beautiful morning at Florida Atlantic University Stadium, with plenty of family activities, coffee and snacks and the high point of the morning – the emotional moment when a cancer survivor met the woman whose blood stem cell donation saved her life.

The event raised more than $400,000 to add new donors to the registry, so we can help to save the lives of those diagnosed with blood cancer, sickle cell, inherited immune disorders and over 75 other diseases.

To kick off the day, Founder and CEO Jay Feinberg, who will celebrate his 30-year transplant anniversary this summer, made an exciting special announcement.

Gift of Life Marrow Registry Founder and CEO Jay Feinberg, a 29-year transplant survivor, spoke at the organization's 15th annual Steps for Life 5k on Sunday, Jan 26, 2025.

“Just last week, Gift of Life reached an incredible milestone: our registry has officially grown to half-a-million donors strong!" said Jay. “This year we will double the size of our collection center here in Boca Raton so we can perform more collections, and there is much more to come. None of these accomplishments at Gift of Life could happen without the support of everyone here today.”

Transplant recipient meets Colorado stem cell donor who saved her life

Anticipation was high as the moment approached when blood cancer survivor Kim Brigham would meet her hero – Gift of Life stem cell donor Olivia Carnes. 

Olivia, a resident of Denver, Colo., joined the registry in April 2010 at Tulane University when one of her friends organized a drive in the dining hall.

“I just happened to swing by the cafeteria for lunch that day and knew the person running the drive,” said Olivia. “I was out of the country in January 2023 when Gift of Life left a message that I had matched a patient. I didn’t hear the voice mail until after I went through customs in Tampa. It’s an odd coincidence that I was in the same city as my recipient that day; she was being treated there.”

Debbie Bernstein, whose has been a longstanding supporter of Gift of Life through the William and Anita Newman Foundation, introduced Olivia and Kim. Debbie first welcomed Kim to the stage and shared her story, before inviting Olivia to come up to meet her. The two were strangers before this, as federal regulations require that transplants remain anonymous for the first year.

The 67-year-old mother and senior engineering tech from Hudson, Fla. was diagnosed with myelodysplastic disorder, a type of blood cancer, in April 2021. Her doctors at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa recommended a stem cell transplant as her only hope of a cure. Her family members were upset that none of them were a close enough match to help her.

But Kim was fortunate: her incredible donor Olivia was already in the registry and was quickly identified as her best possible match for a transplant.

Their meeting was incredibly joyful – with the two women hugging and laughing through emotional tears.

"To find somebody from across the world who can save your life is just amazing," said Kim. "Please get tested – if it wasn't for the Gift of Life Marrow Registry I wouldn’t be standing here today.”

Donor Olivia was thrilled to meet Kim and to have the chance to get to know her.

“This means so much to her family, and it turns out we have so much in common it’s crazy!” said Olivia. “This is an incredible experience; I feel like I won the lottery! I’d absolutely do it again in a heartbeat.” 

Community support for Steps for Life 

Boca Raton Florida Mayor Scott Singer welcomed the runners, walkers and spectators to the Steps for Life 5k.   Brian Greenspon presented the colors as the Park Vista High School Marching Band (not pictured) played the National Anthem to open the Steps for Life 5k Run and Walk.   WPTV Channel 5 Emmy award-winning investigative reporter Dave Bohman served as the master of ceremonies at the Steps for Life 5k Run and Walk.

Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer (left) gave his annual greeting to kick off the event and emphasized that only 30 percent of patients in need of a transplant find one within their family. Seventy percent must search the registry for a stranger who is a close enough match to help save their life, making Gift of Life a crucial element in the treatment of blood cancer.

Brian Greenspon (center) served as flag bearer for the National Anthem, played beautifully by the Park Vista High School Marching Band.

WPTV Channel 5 investigative reporter and Emmy award-winning journalist Dave Bohman (right, with Jay Feinberg) served as the master of ceremonies. Thank you, Dave! 

Thanks are also due to the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Department for supplying the always popular Pink Pumper. 

Family Fun! Superhero Sprint and Kids Zone

 

A young girl is having a fantastic time at Gift of Life's Steps for Life 5k.   Families had a great time at Gift of Life's steps for Life 5k Run and Walk.   Little champions run like the wind in the Superhero Sprint at the Steps for Life 5k Run and Walk to benefit Gift of Life Marrow Registry.

To launch the race portion of the event, a group of excited children lined up to run the Superhero Sprint. Each of Gift of Life’s mini-heroes received a bright orange cape to wear while running the 50-yard dash.

The Kids Zone featured face painting, rock climbing, petting zoo, train rides, and much more!

5k Run & Walk

Gift of Life's Steps for Life 5k Run and Walk was held on Jan 26, 2025 in Boca Raton, Fla.

Participants from across South Florida ran, walked, pushed strollers and cheered people on, with walkers following the 5k runners out of the starting line to follow the course around Florida Atlantic University’s gorgeous campus.

The top male finishers were Mitchell Levine, Jonathan Doman and Michael Semidey. Top female finishers were Jennifer Grant, Caitlyn Schutlz and Elina Kujala.  

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

Event Sponsors

This image shows the logos of several dozen sponsors of Gift of Life's Steps for Life 5k.

Gift of Life thanks our generous sponsors for their support of Steps for Life. We also thank the Florida Panthers and Miami Heat for always sending mascots and dance teams to our events. Your involvement with our mission helps to save lives.

Gallery

Did we get a photo of you? Click here to view the event photo gallery!



We look forward to seeing you at the Steps for Life 5k of South Florida in 2026!