When an unfamiliar Florida number kept ringing his phone over Thanksgiving break, Jacob thought it must be another scam. In reality, it was his chance to save a life. 

“I had completely forgotten I joined the registry back in 2017,” said Jacob. “Gift of Life presented to my Birthright Israel tour group, and since it was a simple cheek swab, I figured, why not?”

On returning the mystery call, Jacob learned he was a donor match for a man in his 60s diagnosed with a type of blood cancer called myelodysplastic disorder, which interferes with the production of normal blood cells in the bone marrow. Untreated, it can progress to become leukemia, but a stem cell transplant from Jacob had the chance to give this patient a second chance at life.

“The first person I told was one of the staffers from my Birthright trip I’ve remained friends with for years,” said Jacob. “She was super excited for me, and even a little jealous because she’s also on the registry but hasn’t been a match yet.”

Jacob also found that his family and girlfriend were immensely proud of him, as was his workplace. Gift of Life supplied him with letters confirming that he would be donating at the Adelson Collection Center in Florida, which his co-workers thought was “super cool.” 

“My family told anyone who would listen what I was doing, whenever they had the chance,” said Jacob. “They were proud of me, and those they talked to affirmed it was an important thing to do.”

The organization makes all the travel, hotel, and transportation arrangements at no cost to donors, making it as convenient and comfortable as possible for someone to save a life.  Those donating peripheral blood stem cells also receive several shots of filgrastim in the days before donating and right before collection, to stimulate the production of extra stem cells.

“Everyone at Gift of Life was amazing,” said Jacob. “The nurses and staff took the time to answer all my questions and got to know me. They made everything so easy, and it was relatively quick.” 

Even getting a few shots to prepare didn’t faze him. “I had a few body aches, but other than that, it wasn’t too bad!” 

On reflection, Jacob not only had a positive experience, but he has become more mindful of what others may be going through.

“I am now more willing to do things for people I might not have done before,” said Jacob. “This made me appreciate my life because you never know what other people are going through. I’d love to meet him and know how he’s doing.” 

Jacob also encourages others to step up for their own chance to help a patient in need.

“It takes very little of you to change someone’s entire life,” he said. “It’s just a cheek swab and then a few shots and some time in a chair to save a life – if you have the opportunity, you should definitely take it.”

Jacob, 26, is a resident of Carlisle, Pa. where he lives with his girlfriend and their two cats. He graduated from SUNY Birmingham and is now a Special Education teacher. He enjoys trying new coffee spots, going on walks, reading and cooking, and watching football and hockey games.