Jessica, 24, was a student at the University of Toledo and a Chi Omega sister when she swabbed at a drive organized by the sorority. “I joined the registry three years ago, and I honestly didn’t know what to feel when I got the call that I was a match,” said Jessica. She donated stem cells to a man in his mid-50s diagnosed with leukemia. “I was just really excited to even be part of an opportunity to save someone,” she added. “I’ve had family members who needed stem cell donations, and I just wanted to do the same: donate to someone that needs saving.” Initially, Jessica was a bit nervous about the injections of filgrastim to help mobilize her stem cells, as they make some people feel bone discomfort. “But the injections weren’t bad at all, and donating doesn’t hurt,” said Jessica. “You also get to come to Florida if you donate at Gift of Life. We had a pool day at the hotel, and I’ve been going to the beach.”

John, 20, joined the registry in 2024 not only to help someone in need, but also in memory of Caroline Boles Terry, who lost her life to leukemia in 2005. In her honor, donor drives are held each year on the University of South Carolina campus, organized by the Delta Zeta sorority. “It felt like a good opportunity to be able to give back,” said John. “It’s always good to give when people are in need, and this is really a form of help that you can’t get anywhere else.” John donated stem cells to help a man in his mid-40s diagnosed with chronic leukemia and had a great time visiting Gift of Life’s collection center as well. “The ‘donation vacation’ has been great,” he said. “The area is super nice, and the beach is awesome. Being able to get away while knowing that you’re contributing to really help someone is great. Also, the weather is incredible, so that’s never a setback!”

Karley, 28, who lives in Florida, is one of our local heroes. She swabbed in 2018 while a student at the University of Florida, during volleyball team practice. “When I got the phone call that I was a match, I knew immediately I would do this,” said Karley. “I was super excited to be helping someone.” Her recipient is in his mid-50s and was diagnosed with myelodysplastic disorder, a form of blood cancer. “I expected this to be a really wonderful experience and would give me a new perspective on life.” As a Floridian who lives near Gift of Life’s Boca Raton headquarters, donating was easy. “I am actually from just about an hour north, so my mom and I just drove down to the collection center, and when I was done, we drove home again,” said Karley. “I recommend that if you are a match for a patient in need, just trust the process. There are times when you feel uncertain, but getting here and donating has definitely been worth it.”