In 2021 while in medical school at Ohio State University, one of Alex’s classmates asked students and faculty alike to join Gift of Life’s donor registry. Intrigued by the idea, Alex followed through and ordered a cheek swab kit to be sent to his home. When it arrived a few days later, in less than five minutes Alex had finished the registration process and sent his kit back to the organization.

“As a medical professional, I have seen first-hand how life changing some of these cellular therapies can be,” said Alex. “But, they only work if people are willing to donate. Swabbing was such a small thing for me to do but could have such a large impact on someone’s life.”

In 2023, three weeks after starting his residency, Alex received a call from Gift of Life.

“I was in the supply room at the hospital feeling a little overwhelmed and stressed having only started my residency three weeks before, when I was told that I was a match for a girl diagnosed with aplastic anemia,” said Alex. “Despite how I was feeling, I knew there was someone out there who needed me, and I said yes, I would donate.”

After agreeing to the donation, Alex had a very important phone call to make.

“I called my wife, Brynn, the most supportive person in my life,” he said. “She was more thrilled than I was, she knew how important of an opportunity this was for me. She was with me every step of the way.”

A couple of weeks after these calls, Alex was asked to take a blood test to confirm his tissue type. Donors and patients are matched based on Human Leukocyte Antigens, or HLAs, which are inherited from their parents. There are millions of different HLA combinations, and finding a match is rare, and in some cases, impossible. To be considered viable for transplant, donor and patient must share at least six out of ten HLA markers.

After the blood test confirmed him to be the best match for his recipient, Gift of Life organized Alex’s travel to Florida to donate at the Adelson Collection Center in Boca Raton. Donors can bring a companion with them to their collection, and Alex’s wife Brynn accompanied him on his trip.

“Everything from coordinating the travel arrangements to the collection itself was done with professionalism,” said Alex. “It was all so smooth and so supportive. It is really an incredible opportunity. Donating at Gift of Life's headquarters in Florida was an all-around incredible experience. I felt cared for the entire time. There were so many people checking on me throughout the day and getting me whatever I needed.”

Alex sees his donation as a foundational moment in his medical career.

“It was such a great reminder how much goes into the medical treatments we offer to patients,” said Alex. “I wouldn’t be able to do my job on a daily basis if it wasn’t for people like the donors and staff at Gift of Life that want to find ways to help others.”

When asked what he would like others to know about being a donor, Alex had this to say:

“I would 100% recommend it! It’s a feeling like no other to know you are directly helping someone that needs you, and only you.”

Alex, 27, is a resident physician, having attended Ohio State University. He and his wife Brynn live in Chicago where they enjoy trying new restaurants. In his free time, Alex likes playing golf.