The New Year started off with a bang as three people donated their stem cells to a blood cancer patient in need of their miracle match. These three lifesavers join the global registry at Project Life Movement events.
The donations took place at Project Life Movements clinical partner, Gift of Life’s donor center in Boca Raton, Florida. After flying to Boca Raton for their donation, each donor was able to spend a few days in the sun enjoying the beach and taking in the sites of the area prior to their donation.
On the day of their donation, each donor arrived at the donor center where they were connected to an apheresis machine that would separate their stem cells from their blood. Immediately after the donation, their lifesaving stem cells were couriered to the patient in need. Each of their donations took between four and six hours to complete. While the donation process was taking place, these lifesavers were able to relax and watch television.
Anselle (pictured bottom right), who joined the registry one year ago, said that the donation sounded scarier than it actually was and it was an easy way to save someone else’s life. Anselle signed up for the registry at a presentation to her pre-medical fraternity on campus. She recalled being intrigued by the process and said to herself: “Why not?” When Anselle was contacted as a match, she was surprised, considering that she joined the registry only six months prior, but was excited that she would be able to help someone in need. Anselle positively reflected on her donation experience and believes that it was a small price to pay to make a huge impact on her recipient’s life.
Our second donor, Sunshine (pictured top left), joined the registry on campus two years ago and was surprised to find out she matched. Since she is in school for biology, Sunshine found it of particular interest to learn about the donation process and see how what she has learned can be applicable in real life. She decided to donate her stem cells because she felt in her gut that it was the right thing to do. After doing research on the donation process and what transplants can do for patients, Sunshine felt confident in her decision to go through with donating. With there being such a small chance for someone to match on the registry, Sunshine feels that it is fate to get the call and be able to help someone else out.
Our last donor, Ashley (pictured bottom left), was encouraged to sign up for the registry four years ago by a friend who was a Gift of Life Campus Ambassador. She had read many donor stories and found them inspiring but never thought that she would match herself. When she finally got the call, she was excited to donate her stem cells to make an impact for her patient. Ashley said that the donation process was easy and would encourage everyone to sign up for the registry, as the outcome is definitely worth it.