Gift of Life’s newest staff member and blood stem cell donor, Alec, came on board just a few weeks ago, but he already feels that his work will allow him to continue to develop into the best version of himself.  He says, “Gift of Life has acted as a catalyst, giving me clarity into what is most important to me.”

Before beginning his employment at Gift of Life, Alec showed his passion for the Organization’s lifesaving mission by creating a personal fundraising page and encouraging friends and family to support the cause.  Additionally, he organized a “No Shave November” event through his fraternity to raise money and also encouraged fellow students to join the registry.   

As Special Projects Coordinator for the Northeast Region, Alec will work on donor recruitment within the region with particular focus on college campuses, as well as fundraising through new initiatives.  As a donor who has already had the opportunity to save a life, he will be able to share the special expertise of someone who “has been there” with future donors. 

Twenty one year old Alec first joined Gift of Life’s registry in 2011 while on a Birthright trip.  The testing process was simple and Alec was excited about the possibility of helping someone, although he never imagined he would ever actually match a patient in need.  When he learned he was a match, Alec was “overwhelmed with a sense of purpose.  Just knowing that my life was so valuable to others was almost incomprehensible.”

Alec explained that the donation process took some time, but was rewarding, and that any discomfort he may have experienced was a small price to pay for giving such a gift.  He said, “I would donate each and every day of my life if I could.”  He added, “I donated to save one person’s life, but it was so much more than that.  I was doing it for her parents, siblings, kids, friends and all the good people she will meet in the future.” 

 

Though Alec and the woman who received his blood stem cells did not communicate following his donation, he was thrilled when Gift of Life invited him to meet her in person at the Fourth Annual Walk for Life in Boca Raton, Florida.  He said the meeting was something he had envisioned many times.  After meeting Susan, the pair spent time getting to know one another with family friends.   While dining out for brunch, the two even ordered the same entrée!  They have remained in touch and hope to share a friendship going forward.

 

Now, Alec is focused on sharing his enthusiasm for Gift of Life’s mission to save lives and is passionate about encouraging others to follow his lead and join the registry.  He said, “I can’t stress enough how important it is for young healthy students to join.  It is so easy and so rewarding!”  He added, “I donated my peripheral blood stem cells, but I truly believe Gift of Life has done more for me in the last two years than I did for Susan.  People go their whole lives seeking purpose.  Susan and Gift of Life have answered that question for me. Waking up happy every day, knowing I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to be doing is something I am extremely grateful for.”