Marrow Registry COLLECTION CENTER Cell Therapy Lab Gift of Life Biologics
Dashboard Change Password Logout
About Us
Who We Are Leadership Credentials Partners Transplant Centers Awards History Financials Donate Careers Contact Us
Donors
Diversity Donation Process Donor Eligibility Am I in the Registry? Donating for Research
Patients
Family Resources Finding a Match Donor Search
Programs
Get Involved Donor Circles Volunteer Network Young Professionals Heroes Society Corporate Partner Program Campus Ambassador Program
Events
Upcoming Events Donor Recruitment Events Steps for Life 5K Cocktails & Conversation Gala Celebrating Life
Newsroom
Stories Media Coverage Press Releases Media Photo Gallery Video Gallery
FAQ
Join Registry Give Now
Join Registry Give Now
STORIES

Red Sox game becomes field of dreams for marrow donor and grateful recipient

May 20, 2025 by Gift of Life News

Kayce Moose, 24, of Dallas, N.C. was thrilled to be invited to Fenway Park for the April 23 baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and the Seattle Mariners, where she would finally meet the woman who had saved her life. For more than seven years, Gift of Life has partnered with the Boston Red Sox to bring donors and recipients together in person for the first time after the required post-transplant year of anonymity.

In February 2023, Kayce had noticed she was short of breath and had persistent bruising that lasted for months, but didn’t think anything of it until she went to her doctor.

“I didn’t know I was sick,” said Kayce. “But the morning before a routine doctor’s appointment, I almost passed out in the shower. I was told I needed blood work and to go to the hospital immediately.”

Gift of Life marrow donor Leah McNeil (l) and her transplant recipient Kayce Moose step up to the mound to throw out the first pitch at the Boston Red Sox game on April 23, 2025. The Red Sox arranged for the two women to meet in person for the first time as part of their 7-year partnership with the Gift of Life Marrow Registry. Marrow donors and their recipients may not learn each other's identities for the first year after the transplant.

After several tests including a bone marrow biopsy, Kayce was diagnosed with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH), a disease that affects the bone marrow and red blood cells. While there are medications that can help with the symptoms of PNH, the only known cure is a marrow transplant. Luckily, Kayce’s donor was already in Gift of Life’s registry.

Donor Leah McNeil, 28, of Somerville, Mass., had swabbed in 2015 while an undergraduate student at Brandeis University.

“I remember seeing a big tent on the main lawn,” said Leah. “After hearing about the process, I thought it seemed easy enough and could have a huge potential impact. It took just a few minutes. My sister Rachel z”l had osteosarcoma and passed before I was born, so joining the registry and being able to donate in 2023 meant so much more to me and my family, I was so happy to be able to help someone in this way.”

Leah and Kayce were introduced for the first time on the sideline as thousands of baseball fans cheered and applauded from the stands. Following their heartwarming introduction, the pair then threw the game’s ceremonial first pitch together, with each of them tossing baseballs to a pair of catchers behind home plate. Emotions were high for everyone, including Leah's best friend Sydney Levitt, who flew in with her husband from out of town to witness the meeting! 

Marrow donor Leah McNeil got a special bonus when being introduced to her transplant recipient, Kayce Moose (r) for the first time at a Boston Red Sox game. Her friend Sydney Levitt flew in to be there for this incredible emotional moment, and was clearly proud of Leah's new status as a lifesaver -- holding up a sign that says "My Best Friend is a Hero!"

“I’m so grateful for Leah,” said Kayce. “She took the time to register and become a donor to someone who needed it, and I can’t thank her enough.”

“Donating to Kayce is one of the most meaningful experiences of my life,” said Leah. “It gives me great joy to know that she is doing well and that there are so many people working to help others. I feel so thankful to have been a part of her process.” Leah's friend 

Kayce, 24, lives in Dallas, N.C., where she works at a business supply company. Kayce has acquired a new hobby since her tranpslant, making candles with her boyfriend Gavin.

Leah, 28, lives in Somerville, Mass., where she works as a social worker, having graduated from Brandeis University and attended graduate school at Boston College. In her free time, Leah enjoys reading and playing the cello.