Andrew, 27, was an undergraduate at Mississippi State University when he joined Gift of Life at the annual dance marathon in 2017. However, it wasn’t until six years later that he matched a blood cancer patient in need. “I always thought, ‘What if I get called?’ and then they did call,” he said. “It was an on-and-off again process for some time as the patient needed more time to be prepared for a transplant. I wondered if it would happen or not, but I finally got here.” Andrew, a resident of Nashville, Tenn., appreciated the chance to visit Gift of Life’s collection center in Florida to donate in the hope of helping a man in his 40s battling leukemia. “We came down a few days early and got to go to the beach and hang out there, eat some good seafood and enjoy beautiful weather,” he said. But his mind was on his recipient the entire time. “I knew this was the opportunity for him to have another chance at life. I’m healthy and able to do this, but you never know how long you will be both of those things. I actually hate needles, so if I can do this, I promise you anyone can. It’s not really that bad, and Gift of Life makes everything easy for you.”

Matthew, 22, lives in Florida and was a student at the University of Florida when he swabbed in 2022, and he initially matched a patient almost immediately. “I was called three times, actually, the first time the patient was healed before he needed a transplant, which was amazing. The second call was to support medical research by donating cells, but I was already donating blood, so I couldn’t proceed. This time, when they called, it all worked out.” Matthew matched a man in his 60s diagnosed with a form of blood cancer called myelodysplastic disorder. “Two months ago, I was officially told this donation was going to happen, and that was a good feeling. As a Christian, I believe there is no greater love than to give part of yourself to others – I had the time to do it and the ability, and if someone is in critical condition, it is our duty to be generous.” Matthew also emphasized the importance of knowing your own medical history, which is crucial to stem cell donation. “Be smart about your medical history; it matters a lot in all this, and if you’re able to do it, you should do it. They treat you like royalty here, honestly, and this has been a great experience.”

Aimee, 22, donated stem cells for a man in his 70s diagnosed with leukemia just six months after joining the registry. “I heard about Gift of Life at the University of South Florida in Tampa, and joined in my sophomore year last spring,” she said. “It was an honor to be called as a match and to be able to help someone else. I know if I were in their position, I hope someone would step up and help me. I donated because I wanted to be a light for a person who needs it – I just want to help in any way I can. Also, nothing compares to how fulfilled you will feel.” Aimee also shared that the “donation vacation” experience was a good one. “Gift of Life put us up in a nice hotel on the beach,” she said. “We saw a beautiful sunrise over the water this morning. It’s a special experience.”