Patients, Family & Friends Testimonials

Together we share a common bond: the fight against leukemia. Read what some have said of their experience and how it changed their lives.

Leona Lewis champions marrow registration

"Not a lot of people know that leukemia is the most common disease children die of in the U.S. Most children and young adults can be given a second chance if a match is found. However, only 2 out of 10 patients end up getting the life-saving treatment. I think it's amazing that Pat, who is organizing donor drives with DKMS is being an advocate for bone marrow registration at such a young age, he is such an inspiration. "

- Leona Lewis

ONE Person Saved both of Our Lives

On September 22, 2007, Keane and Ethan received their marrow transplant.

“We turned to DKMS for help. Thanks to the amazing work that DKMS does, we are able enjoy our twin boys for many years to come.” – Xander and Carrie, parents of Keane and Ethan

Identical twins, Keane and Ethan were born beautiful, healthy boys on October 13, 2006. In February 2007, Ethan became ill and was diagnosed with Hemophagocitic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a very rare blood disease.A further test found that the HLH was genetic, which meant that Keane also had HLH.

I am Alive Today because of a Stranger

In May 2007, I received a marrow transplant

My name is Todd. Two years ago, I was having the time of my life. I was a student at Missouri State University, I was active in sports and had a tight knit group of friends. All this came to a screeching end when I received the devastating news that I had leukemia.

A Stranger Saved My Life

In 2007, Giovanni received the transplant that has given him a second chance at life.

Meet Giovanni, born July 24, 2006, a happy and healthy baby. When Giovanni was just 6 weeks old, he began getting life threatening infections and after months of hospitalization was diagnosed with NEMO, a rare and severe immune disorder.
His parents were told he would die before his 1st birthday without a marrow or cord blood transplant.

I Helped Save a Life

"Knowing that I have given someone a second chance is something that I will cherish forever."

My girlfriend, Laura, and I registered as donors at a drive for a member of our church and within a year and a half we both have had the opportunity to donate life. The experience of being a donor has changed my life. Knowing that I have given someone a second chance is something that I will cherish forever.

Join our online community

Getting the word out to your friends and family is one of the most powerful ways to support the life saving effort.

A Hero

"I had the privilege as a donor to prolong another’s life."

“My experience with the DKMS organization was memorable. I had the privilege as a donor to prolong another’s life. DKMS allowed me to feel comfortable from the moment I was informed I was a marrow match to the actual donation. DKMS was extremely professional while organizing the transplant.

"I would not hesitate to do this again."

“Feelings of hope for the recipient and his family made my experience well worthwhile. I would not hestitate to undergo this procedure again.”

Laura Klein
1st Female DKMS Americas Donor and 1st DKMS Americas PBSC donor

I Will Save a Life

"I know I will be a match."

“I know that I will be a match for someone-that I will save a life.”

Lenny McKnight,
1st DKMS Americas Bone Marrow Donor

What If it was Your Child

When I got the call saying I might be a match, it was like fate

“I became a donor after I saw a Myspace page of a little boy who needed a transplant. There I found DKMS. When I got the call saying I might be a match, it was like fate. Every one of us can make a difference.”

James Maguire, Confirmatory Typing match

Helping Us Help Sam

Thank you for being there for our family

“We appreciate your support for the donor drive to help Sam. Your representative, Ellie, is an angel. She is warm and knowledgeable... someone to feel proud of having in your organization.”

Beth Kim,
Drive organizer and aunt of Sam Cross (patient)

Wonderfully Supportive

Thank you for everything you have done

“You have been wonderfully supportive and your organization is heads and shoulders above the rest. Thank you for everything you have done.”

Trux, Lauren and Gage Dole (AML, transplant recipient)

Rihanna Fights for Lives

DKMS is an incredible charity

"My own charity, Believe, works specifically with children in need and with children with leukemia. My charity will continue to work with DKMS because you can really see the results."

Rihanna
Grammy Award Singer

Big Hero

"A HUGE thank you for helping to make Gage's donor drive in Charlestown a success."

"From the moment I talked to you, I have been amazed and impressed at the support and guidance you provided to help us save Gage."

Melanie Marsden

Share your story with us so we can give inspiration to others in the fight against leukemia and other blood diseases. Happy endings are possible. Tell us yours. Write to us at info@dkmsamericas.org.