Emily, 25, was an undergraduate at the University of New Hampshire when she joined the registry. “I heard about Gift of Life at an event at a community service organization (Alpha Phi Omega) and signed up because it sounded like a great cause, and I wanted to get on the registry.”  Like most donors, she wasn’t an immediate match for a patient, but in 2025 she got the call. “I was surprised to be called as a match because it had been a few years since I signed up,” said Emily. “I was super excited for the opportunity to be able to help someone.” Her transplant recipient is a man in his early 70s who was diagnosed with leukemia. “After arriving in Florida for the donation, I tried to do everything I could,” said Emily. “The area is nice! I walked around, shopped, ate some great food, went to the beach and saw the sights.”  Her mind was on her recipient, though. “I hope that he is now healthy and happy and enjoying life,” she said. “I’d like others to know that if you’re asked to donate, it’s not hard to sit in a chair while your cells go on to change someone’s life. Just give it a shot – this is an easy process and Gift of Life helps you through it all the way.”

Salman, 46, started his donor journey as a donor’s companion when his friend donated stem cells. “I was here a few years ago with my friend, keeping them company during their donation, and at that time I did the cheek swab – there was no blood draw or anything like that to join the registry,” said Salman. “Three years later, I was called as a match for a patient and came back to Gift of Life’s collection center to give my own stem cells.”  Salman’s recipient is in his early 50s and was diagnosed with leukemia. “I am pretty happy that I have the opportunity to save someone’s life,” he said. “It doesn’t cost you anything.”  Salman’s wife came with him as his donation companion, and she also swabbed her cheek as he was donating. “We have been to Florida many times, Miami, Orlando, the theme parks and all of that, but this time we stayed in Delray Beach, and it was a fantastic experience,” said Salman. “It doesn’t cost you anything to join the registry, and if you donate, you can go back home and say proudly that you actually, literally, physically saved someone’s life.  Gift of Life takes excellent care of you.  They put you in a hotel, provide transportation, and you do not have to lift a finger. Donating is a very easy process, and I absolutely 100% recommend anybody doing this.”

Louis, 29, is one of thousands of donors who joined the registry during the drives to find a match for Australian patient Murray Foltyn. “About two years ago, I walked into the synagogue in Passaic, N.J., and there was a man asking people if they wanted to swab,” said Louis. “I did, and then in fall 2025 Gift of Life called me and said I was a match.” The patient Louis donated to is a man in his mid-70s diagnosed with myelodysplastic disorder, a form of blood cancer. “I was full of joy when I learned I could save his life,” said Louis. “I don’t know if words could even describe how happy I was. And I was so pleased that Gift of Life was so accommodating and flexible. There is no reason to be nervous about donating. Even if you are apprehensive about needles or this is your first time traveling out-of-state, every person you talk to at the organization is very thorough, and they are there for you every step of the way.” As a side note, Murray Foltyn found a matching donor, received a transplant several years ago, and is now doing well. 

You, too, could save someone's life.

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