While attending the University of Florida, Banks was heading to lacrosse practice when he saw several Gift of Life Campus Ambassadors and other volunteers speaking to the team. 

“They told us about what the marrow registry was and asked if we wanted to register,” said Banks. “I volunteered for years at a children’s cancer center. I enjoyed seeing the positive effect I could have on people going through bad things. Joining the registry was another opportunity to do that. I was excited by the idea of helping someone if I could. The swab itself was super easy and within minutes 30 of us had registered.” 

Just two years later, in April 2022, Banks received a call from a Florida phone number. 

“I remember I was at a gas station when I picked up the call,” said Banks. “I’m glad I answered even though I thought it was a telemarketer. It was from Gift of Life explaining how I had matched with a man in his 30s battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. I was happy about the prospect of donating. After the call ended, I immediately told my mom.” 

Gift of Life organized Banks’s travel to Boca Raton, Fla. so he could donate peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) at the state-of-the-art Adelson Collection Center. He was put up in a beachfront resort and a meal stipend was also provided by Gift of Life. 

Like all PBSC donors, prior to donation Banks received five doses of Neupogen, a synthetic version of a naturally occurring protein found in the body that encourages stem cells to enter the bloodstream. The injections are given once per day for five days. Neupogen has been used to prepare donors for more than 30 years, so the effects are well documented. Some donors have no side effects from the injections. However, others experience symptoms such as bone pain, fatigue, or headaches. Banks did have some of these mild symptoms, which typically dissipate quickly after donating. 

“Overall, my donation was pretty good,” said Banks. “During the collection, I did some schoolwork on my laptop but mostly just watched YouTube and ate snacks. My attendees checked on me often and helped make sure I was comfortable the entire time. Afterward, I had a nice dinner at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Miami. My recovery was pretty good, too.”  

Banks’s family and friends are very proud of him for donating. 

“My mom especially thinks it is a great thing I did,” said Banks. “I’m glad that I had the opportunity to donate. I recommend that anyone and everyone who can, join the registry. It is worth it.” 

Banks, 22, recently graduated with his Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida where he was also a member of the lacrosse team. He will be returning to school in the fall to pursue an M.S. in Biomedical Engineering. In his free time, Banks enjoys rock climbing and playing video games. 
 

Banks's swab kit was sponsored by the Boca Rio Foundation Donor Circle.