Matthew Murillo from Roslyn, New York and a sophomore at SUNY Binghamton issued a challenge to his college friends...register to be a bone marrow donor. When none of his buddies accepted, he threw down the gauntlet. He challenged his friends in a most unusual way, something that required a greater commitment of him as well. If he completes a triathlon, they will either join the bone marrow registry or make a donation to Gift of Life. Everyone agreed, and on September 12, Matt will be competing in the Cedar Point Triathlon in Sandusky, Ohio. A triathlon is an endurance race in which competitors complete a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run. Matt believes that examples of human endurance and compassion can better our world by moving others to action.
Matt wanted to register as a bone marrow donor for a long time. It felt natural to recruit his friends in this endeavor and he was disappointed when they said no. He told them if they would agree to enroll in the registry he would do something that took preparation and concentration that would far surpass anything any of them had ever done. His friends agreed that if Matt finished the Iron Man Triathlon, each of them would register as a bone marrow donor. He believed that by partnering with a great organization and spreading word of his plans, he could accomplish more. Jay Feinberg, Executive Director of Gift of Life, and himself a transplant survivor commented, "Matt has not only made a personal commitment to save a life, but has motivated those around him to do the same. He exemplifies the true spirit of Gift of Life and we support him in his endeavor to make a difference both personally and for patients in need of life-saving transplants."
Training for, and participating in an athletic event of this magnitude takes focus, determination and stamina. Matt has added another challenge - to inspire 200 people to join the registry as well as raise $13,500 for Gift of Life. Matt stated, "I would love for this to spread and get other people who are impressed by what I am doing to consider donating or joining the registry"
As a member of Delta Sigma Phi, one of the newest fraternities at Binghamton University, Matt wants to exemplify the fraternity's motto, "Better Men, Better Lives." Matt wants to live up to the fraternity's credo and said, "In a world where being self-interested is rewarded by wealth, success and respect amongst peers, we can all take time out of our busy lives to do something selfless and simple that can make a huge difference in the lives of those who really need it." In support of his efforts, thirty of Matt's fraternity brothers have promised to either join the registry along with him, or donate at least $50 each when he finishes the triathlon.
By completing this feat, he hopes to inspire others to look beyond their doubts and realize their true potential; the potential to save a life. Share Matt's vision with others and ask them to register as a donor or make a financial commitment in support of his herculean effort to save lives.