When Brett joined the registry in 2015 while an undergrad at Syracuse University, he had two goals in mind: 1) help a stranger in need and 2) help a friend with her community service project. 

“My friend Rachel Brenner, who was a Gift of Life Campus Ambassador, had set up a booth to swab new donors and asked her friends to come by and participate,” said Brett. “I wanted to help someone and their family, and swabbing could not have been easier. The small amount of effort that goes into joining the registry (a few minutes of time) in comparison to the outcome of the process (saving a life) is unmatched.”  

Brett was at home in Boston when the call came that he was a match for a man diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome – a type of blood cancer. 

“I had gotten some emails over the years that I was a potential match, but it never came to fruition,” said Brett. “To think I swabbed nine years ago is the craziest part about it!” Among the first people he called with the news was Rachel.

“Brett is a close friend, and I knew the second he was called as a match that he would do everything possible in order to save a life!” said Rachel. “It's very rewarding knowing that my efforts in the Campus Ambassador Program paid off. It only takes one person to save a life, and that it happened to be such a good friend of mine was the cherry on top.”

Brett’s girlfriend, Erica, was surprised to learn how rare it is to find a match. She accompanied Brett on his “donation vacation” to Gift of Life’s collection center in Boca Raton, Fla.

“My donation was extremely smooth,” said Brett. “Erica and I explored the area and enjoyed the weather for the couple days we were there. The donation itself only took three hours. I relaxed and watched TV. Recovery was a non-issue, and we went to a Florida Panthers hockey game later that night!”

Brett also feels the experience is so rewarding, he would do it again.

“It’s fulfilling knowing you’re helping someone who truly needs it,” he said. “You’re doing something that all of the patient’s family and friends wish they could do. Plus, Gift of Life takes care of you throughout the entire process. This is what can happen when you simply swab your cheek at a drive.” 

Brett, 29, is a Bostonian currently living and working as a financial analyst in New York City. He is a graduate of Syracuse University. Brett loves hockey, supporting Boston’s sports teams, and likes to spend time with friends and family cooking and enjoying the outdoors.