Gift of Life Campus Ambassador Who Recruited Marrow Donors Becomes One Himself
Biology major gives child a second chance at life.
Boca Raton, FL, July 27, 2017 --(PR.com)-- Gift of Life Marrow Registry Campus Ambassador Aaron walked into Georgetown University Hospital a month ago hoping to save a life. He was there to donate bone marrow for a stranger, a boy suffering from a bone marrow disorder who needed a transplant to survive.
“It was just before graduation, and I was at work when I got a call from Gift of Life,” said Aaron. “I remember them saying, ‘We want to let you know that you’ve matched someone, a young boy’. I said ‘I’d love to donate!’” Aaron already knew something about bone marrow transplants – he had served as a Campus Ambassador, so he not only understood how and why a transplant could save someone’s life, he had been explaining that process to others for two years.
In the weeks leading up to his donation, co-workers and friends had expressed some fears about the process to Aaron – but he is clear about how positive his experience was: this outpatient procedure was much easier than having his wisdom teeth removed, and nothing to be nervous about.
“For anyone out there who is wary of joining the registry because of the fear of this being a painful surgery, I can personally debunk that myth,” said Aaron. “I would go through it again without question – saving someone’s life is unquestionably worth a little soreness. You never notice that a few cells are gone, and they grow back on their own.”
His thoughts are also on his recipient. “This is a way for a boy to live a happy, healthy and normal life, and for his family to finally heave a sigh of relief and know they are getting their son and grandson back.” Although they must remain anonymous to each other for now, Aaron hopes that someday he’ll be able to meet the boy and his family and see how their lives have improved.
His goal now is to help dispel the myths and rumors that scare some people away from joining the registry. “You could be the difference between life and death for someone with a blood disease who has been patiently waiting, hoping that some random stranger in the world will match them,” said Aaron. “Take the first step – swab your cheek at a drive or visit Gift of Life’s website and order a swab kit. I promise it will be the best decision you ever make.”
For more information, visit www.giftoflife.org.
“It was just before graduation, and I was at work when I got a call from Gift of Life,” said Aaron. “I remember them saying, ‘We want to let you know that you’ve matched someone, a young boy’. I said ‘I’d love to donate!’” Aaron already knew something about bone marrow transplants – he had served as a Campus Ambassador, so he not only understood how and why a transplant could save someone’s life, he had been explaining that process to others for two years.
In the weeks leading up to his donation, co-workers and friends had expressed some fears about the process to Aaron – but he is clear about how positive his experience was: this outpatient procedure was much easier than having his wisdom teeth removed, and nothing to be nervous about.
“For anyone out there who is wary of joining the registry because of the fear of this being a painful surgery, I can personally debunk that myth,” said Aaron. “I would go through it again without question – saving someone’s life is unquestionably worth a little soreness. You never notice that a few cells are gone, and they grow back on their own.”
His thoughts are also on his recipient. “This is a way for a boy to live a happy, healthy and normal life, and for his family to finally heave a sigh of relief and know they are getting their son and grandson back.” Although they must remain anonymous to each other for now, Aaron hopes that someday he’ll be able to meet the boy and his family and see how their lives have improved.
His goal now is to help dispel the myths and rumors that scare some people away from joining the registry. “You could be the difference between life and death for someone with a blood disease who has been patiently waiting, hoping that some random stranger in the world will match them,” said Aaron. “Take the first step – swab your cheek at a drive or visit Gift of Life’s website and order a swab kit. I promise it will be the best decision you ever make.”
For more information, visit www.giftoflife.org.
Contact
Gift of Life Marrow Registry
Amy Glanzman
561-982-2900
www.giftoflife.org
Amy Glanzman
561-982-2900
www.giftoflife.org
Contact
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