Two brave Floridians recently met the strangers whose lives they saved through blood stem cell donations, creating unforgettable moments of joy and gratitude at events in South Florida.
On December 4, 2024, during halftime at the Florida Gulf Coast University women's basketball game, the crowd witnessed a heartwarming scene. Airline pilot Kevin Mitchell, with a huge smile on his face, ran across the court to embrace Zoe Horowitz, the young woman who had given him a second chance at life (photo above left). Two years ago, Kevin was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer, myelodysplastic syndrome, and Zoe's stem cell donation restored his health.
Their emotional meeting was orchestrated by the college to highlight the life-changing impact of its Service Learning and Civic Engagement mission. Although they had spoken on the phone, this was their first face-to-face encounter, making the moment even more special.
Zoe, who joined the registry in 2022 during her freshman year, never imagined the profound difference she would make. "I thought, why not help someone if I can?" she said. "Now, knowing I've changed someone's life, I'm in awe."
Kevin, overwhelmed with gratitude, shared his thoughts: "When I was diagnosed, I wondered how bad it was and if it could be treated. Thanks to Zoe, I had no complications and left the hospital sooner than expected. I wouldn't be here without her. Stem cell transplants are truly life-saving."
Zoe, a psychology major from Tamarac, Fla., loves baking, crocheting, and being creative.
Kevin, an airline pilot from The Villages, Fla., enjoys traveling and golfing with his wife, Mary Ann, and their two daughters.
Eric Bielski, who survived acute myeloid leukemia, was overjoyed to meet his hero, Kellen Reilly, at the Miami Beach Police Department Block Party on November 17, 2024 (photo above right). The introduction, led by Police Chief Wayne A. Jones, brought the two men together in a heartfelt embrace.
“Eric and I are now bonded, and I look forward to a lifelong friendship,” said Kellen. “There aren’t really any words to describe what this experience is like. I encourage everyone to register as a donor.”
Kellen, who joined the registry during a lacrosse practice at UF, recalled how smooth the donation process was for him. "It was a great time. I watched movies and enjoyed delicious Mexican food. It was beyond awesome."
This simple act of kindness saved Eric's life. "I feel like Kellen is my little brother and hero," Eric said. "I'm proud he donated at such a young age. Everything I have today—watching my son grow, meeting the love of my life—it's all because of him."
Kellen, a 21-year-old from Tampa, Fla., is a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at UF. He enjoys chess, poker, and hot yoga.
Eric, 35, lives in Clarkston, Mich., with his fiancée Abigail and his four-year-old son. He works as a roofing claims specialist and loves traveling, golfing, and spending time with his family.