On college campuses across the country, members of Gift of Life’s Campus Ambassador Program coordinate swab drives to recruit people onto the registry in celebration World Marrow Donor Day. This annual observance, held on the third Saturday of September, honors the volunteer blood stem cell and marrow donors that have selflessly signed up to help any patient in need of a life-saving transplant.

In 2023, Campus Ambassadors at the University of Virginia (UVA) participated in this tradition and almost 50 people joined the registry in one day, one of whom was then-freshman James, who goes by his middle name, Ethan.

“I saw the table on campus and the group of people around it and was drawn in by it,” said Ethan. “After hearing about what Gift of Life is I admit I was a little apprehensive, but the people assured me that the process was very safe and easy on the donor end and does really help people in need. The thought of giving back and helping people had been on my mind for a little while, and joining the registry seemed like a great opportunity to do some real good.”

Three months later, Ethan received a call from a Florida area code: it was Gift of Life telling him he had matched with a man diagnosed with myelodysplastic disorder who needed a transplant.

“I remember it very well, I got the call a week after winter break started,” said Ethan. “I was nervous about the idea, and I told them I had to think about it. But an hour later I called back and said yes. I told my family and the friends I had made at UVA and they were shocked that I had matched so fast, but they were supportive nonetheless.”

After additional testing to make sure that Ethan was the best possible match for his recipient, Gift of Life coordinated with him to travel to Florida to donate at the Adelson Collection Center. He was able to work with his professors who were very accommodating of his travel and allowed him to make up any missed assignments.

Peripheral blood stem cells are collected through a process called "apheresis." A needle is placed in each arm and blood is drawn and processed through a cell-separating machine which identifies and collects the needed product, then the remaining blood is returned to the other arm. The process typically takes between four and six hours.

“While I was in Florida before the collection itself, I spent time by the pool doing homework, and enjoying a little break from the classroom,” said Ethan. “Being in Florida was a nice reprieve from the Virginia winter!”

On the day of his donation, Gift of Life organized a car service to bring Ethan to the Adelson Collection Center in Boca Raton, Fla.

“The Gift of Life staff made absolutely sure I was comfortable and were very communicative about the process, down to answering any questions I had,” said Ethan. “The collection itself was very easy on my end, and I watched TV during it. My recovery was very quick, and I didn’t have any side effects. I felt back to 100% the next day.”

Ethan returned to Virginia and went back to classes, feeling excited about having saved a life.

“I remember when I got back, many of my friends were asking me about the whole process so I answered all their questions, and I think a few of them joined the registry after that,” said Ethan. “Donating has made me more aware of how much this helps people. It encouraged me to help with the Campus Ambassador Program at UVA.”

Ethan feels that everyone who can, should join the registry and donate if given the opportunity.

“Being on the registry is important, and Gift of Life is so accommodating. I love that I was given this opportunity, and I’m glad that I was able to change someone’s life for the better. It’s something everyone should do.”

Ethan, 19, is a sophomore at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va. In his free time, Ethan enjoys spending time with his friends, watching movies, and volunteering in his community.