Gift of Life has expanded its Campus Ambassador Program to Israel with the addition of Becca Meiner at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel. This will enable the program to reach out in a new way to the many American students who study abroad in Israel.

Since 2004, Gift of Life has partnered with Taglit-Birthright Israel to introduce U.S. citizens on their birthright trip to the importance of bone marrow and blood stem cell donation. The organization will now be able to add donors to the registry from an Israeli campus and community events.

Becca, a senior at Rutgers University majoring in psychology, is currently studying at the Rothberg International School. As an ambassador in Israel, Becca will establish drives at Hebrew University specifically to bring American students studying in Israel into the registry. Marrow registries are governed by international regulations, and only U.S. citizens may join the Gift of Life registry.

Becca’s involvement with Gift of Life began on her birthright trip – when she was just a freshman. Becca swabbed her cheek and went on her way, but says she felt the importance of her decision to volunteer and still carries her donor card in her wallet.

In her sophomore year at Rutgers, Becca served as the Hillel community service chair and heard that Gift of Life was holding “Match Madness” drives during the national collegiate basketball championships – a month-long cycle of games known to Americans as “March Madness.” She thought it was a great concept to bring to Rutgers, so she contacted Gift of Life.

“I set up a two-day Match madness event and was surprised it was so successful because we had to chase down people one at a time and explain the marrow registry to them,” said Becca. At that time she learned about the Campus Ambassador Program and loved the idea of being someone who represented Gift of Life on campus, so she applied and was accepted.

Becca remembers the first email she received notifying her that a match had been found with a potential donor who registered at one of her drives. She was excited at the tangible evidence of having a positive impact on someone in need. “It’s challenging to speak about bone marrow donation with people who are hesitant to be donors,” Becca said. “I strongly believe in the importance of providing the facts about how easy donation has become – that for most donations it is now like giving plasma. When I approach students on campus and ask, ‘Do you have 60 seconds to save a life?’ it’s crucial that they learn what the donation process is like so they can spread awareness as well.”

Becca has already made presentations at the university during the fall student orientation program and at the Campus Organizations Fair. She plans to work with other organizations on campus to coordinate events, and is considering an event during the upcoming U.S. election in November.

Becca says she’s thrilled to continue her involvement with Gift of Life. “I just ran one drive, and it has turned into such a big thing for me, representing Gift of Life at Rutgers in New Jersey and now here in Israel.”

Becca participated in an internship at a non-profit organization during the summer, and likes to spend time exploring Israel’s history and rich culture, as well as the beaches and outdoor activities.