In 2019, Michal joined the global stem cell/marrow registry as a master’s student at the University of South Carolina Public Health Resource Center. With this being the first time she heard about the registry, she decided to sign up to support Delta Zeta’s Sweet Caroline Event. Considering the low odds of matching, Michal did not expect that she would ever be contacted. Five years later, while working in the same department where she signed up, Michal got the call that she was a match to donate her stem cells to a blood cancer patient.
At first, Michal was apprehensive about the donation. After speaking with her donor coordinator and finding out that the process was similar to a blood donation, Michal decided that there was no substantial risk in donating. She was shocked to find out how simple it was to save a life, as well as impressed with how organized it was.
Our clinical partner, Gift of Life, arranged to have all of Michal’s medical preparations at her home in Columbia, before leaving for her donation trip in Boca Raton, Florida. Michal’s husband was able to join her in Florida for her donation. An added perk was being able to spend some time together on the beach enjoying their “donation vacation.”
On the day of her donation, Michal met another USC donor who would also be donating their stem cells to a patient. She recalled feeling grateful for the opportunity to help someone, as not everyone has the chance to save a life with little complications. After a successful donation, Michal would encourage others with the ability to donate to go through with the process. She is excited to get updates on the status of her patient and hopefully meet them one day.