Gordon, 31, ran into Gift of Life while an undergraduate at Ohio University in 2013 and decided to swab and join the registry. “When I found out I was a match for a man diagnosed with myelodysplastic disorder (a form of blood cancer), I had never expected the call,” he said. “I was both a little bit nervous and excited, and at the end of the day, decided it’s a unique opportunity. I was super excited to go through the donation process and see what it’s all about.” Like most donors, Gordon had many questions in advance but found the actual collection to be easier than he expected. “Although I hate everything to do with needles and blood, it was an easy decision to say yes, and then I found the whole process to be perfect: everyone on the staff was wonderful, and they all helped me, as a nervous person going into it, feel completely comfortable.” He also appreciated getting some time in Florida during the colder months. “It’s better weather than in Ohio, so I was glad to have some sunshine. I had some pool time and went to the beach. If you are thinking of donating, go for it!”

Jack, 26, recently returned to the Adelson Collection Center to make his second stem cell donation for his recipient, a woman in her 60s diagnosed with myelodysplastic disorder. Additional donations of stem cells or white blood cells (leukocytes) are sometimes requested by transplant centers to help boost a patient's recovery. “I came across the Gift of Life table on campus at Elon University during COVID back in 2021, and thought, ‘I’m in medicine, why not join?’” said Jack. “When they called to tell me I was a match, I had forgotten I swabbed and thought it was a fake call – but it was real.” He has always felt it was important to help others. “I’ve known from an early age that I wanted to go into medicine, and the fact that I had this opportunity to help someone directly makes me happy.” Jack also enjoyed both trips to Boca Raton for the cell collection, but the second time was special. “I saw a shark and I spent time looking around the area and visiting the beach,” he said. “I met some very nice people here, so it’s been pretty fun.” He also had words of encouragement for others. “You may feel you are being asked to give up your comfort for a couple days, but remember you are saving someone whose condition is beyond uncomfortable and is potentially life-ending. You may even meet your recipient someday. And the staff at Gift of Life are some of the nicest I’ve ever met. Not only is this the most productive thing I’ve ever done, but it is also easily the most 5-star experience I’ve had.”

Ethan, 22, had the opportunity to donate stem cells to help a man in his 60s diagnosed with leukemia. “I joined the registry 2-1/2 years ago at Purdue University, but never expected it to become a reality,” said Ethan. “I was happy to be called and really excited I had the opportunity to help someone in an impactful way. I was definitely a little hesitant at first, as I’ve never even had a blood draw, but I ended up feeling comfortable the whole way through the process.” Ethan brought his girlfriend to the collection center in Boca Raton, Fla., as Gift of Life covers all costs for both the donor and their companion. “We had a good time, got some good food and went to the beach and relaxed,” he said. “I feel like this may be a small moment for me, but it’s something major for my recipient.”