In 2021, while on her gap year in Israel, Eliana found herself on the Michlalah Jerusalem College campus to support a friend who was running a swab drive for Gift of Life Marrow Registry. Inspired by her uncle, who had donated a kidney a few years prior, she joined the registry.

“I always thought it would be an amazing thing if I could be able to donate and help save a life,” said Eliana.

Soon after, Eliana went back to the United Kingdom where, in 2023, she received a phone call from an American number. It was Gift of Life calling to let her know she had been identified as a match for a woman in her 50s diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

“I was at home when I got the call and was wondering why an American number was calling me,” said Eliana. “But then I realized who it was, and I was so excited to have this opportunity. As soon as I got off the phone with Gift of Life, I called my family who were really supportive. My workplace also gave me time off to donate as well, which was very generous.”

This was great for Eliana as Gift of Life invited her to Boca Raton, Fla. to donate at the Adelson Collection Center. Donors may bring a guest to accompany them on their trip, and Eliana brought her mother. Transportation and hotel accommodation were arranged for them by the organization and a meal stipend was provided for the pair.

“During the donation, I watched TV a bit with my mum, spoke to some friends, and just relaxed with some music,” said Eliana. “After the collection, I was back to normal within a day. It helped that on the run–up to donating I got to spend the week relaxing on the beach. The staff at Gift of Life were very supportive of all my needs and very caring throughout the process.”

After returning home, Eliana thinks fondly about her peripheral blood stem cell donation.

“I am honored to have been able to be part of someone’s recovery and help save their life,” said Eliana. “The whole thing was an amazing process to be part of, especially with such a supportive and helpful organization. I encourage everyone to be part of the registry.”

Eliana, 22, lives in London, England where she works as a midwife. She graduated from Middlesex University and enjoys going dancing with friends in her free time and spending time with her family.