Testimonials
Nothing is more inspiring than a great success story. And when the story involves saving a life, it's even better. Enjoy these true tales told by our donors, patients and volunteers and get inspired to do something wonderful with DKMS!
Donor Testimonials
EVANDER HOLYFIELD JR. DONATES BONE MARROW
Evander Holyfield Jr. tells his donation story, while donating. Inspired to register as a donor by 11-year-old Shannon Tavarez, Evander was matched to a patient in desperate need of a transplant within two months of joining the registry. In this inspiring story, Evander, urges all of us to do something to help others.... "Cut some grass or donate".
Regan gives a candid interview about her experience donating peripheral blood stem cells.
Regan registered with DKMS at a donor drive held on campus during her sophomore year at the University of Missouri. Six months later she was found to be a match for a mother of four suffering from leukemia. Three months after that Regan donated her bone marrow by the peripheral blood stem cell method.
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Annette talks about the thrill of getting to save a life.
The day I received my letter from DKMS saying that I was a potential match for a patient was an exciting moment. I had registered 2 years earlier at a local drive. My husband had been on the registry for almost 30 years and had only been notified once about being a possible match, although, he never got to donate. We were really thrilled about my chance to save a life and of course, I began "evangelizing" to anyone who would listen to my exciting news.
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DKMS donor, Caitlin, meets Jaz, the girl she saved.
When Caitlin signed up as a donor at a drive at her college, she has no idea what a life changing experience be. When she found out she was a match for an 8-year-old girl, she eagerly agreed to donate. Recently, Caitlin traveled to meet Jaz for the first time to help her celebrate her 10th birthday. This is Caitlin's video diary of her experience.
Patient Testimonials
David speaks about surviving.
In November of 2007, with my final year of law school commencing, I had everything to look forward to as I travelled home to Salt Lake City to visit my family for Thanksgiving. The energy of the season was in the air and I was feeling mentally and emotionally confident and secure. Everything in my life was fantastic, except for a persistent "cold" that I couldn't seem to shake.
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Joshua Conley was only 9 years old when he was diagnosed with lymphoma.
When I learned I was diagnosed with lymphoma in January 2006, it almost didn’t register; but then it did and a flood of questions and worries overcame me. I had to go through a lot of treatment: steroids, radiation, and chemotherapy. I was only 9 years old at the time. I finally went into remission. The cancer was gone, for now. But the cancer came back aggressively, even while I was still on chemo. That’s when I found out I needed a bone marrow transplant. At the time, I had no idea what was to come.
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Initiator Testimonials
Interview with Katie Taylor, Donor Drive Initiator, University of Pittsburgh
When I was in college I went to a donor drive with my sister and I was struck by how rewarding an experience it is. It wasn't something I knew a lot about at the time, but I was touched by how many people came out to support it, how many people's lives had been touched by it in some way.
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Interview with Nicole Parisi, Donor Drive Initiator, Saint Leo University
Inspired by a 6-year-old girl in need of a bone marrow transplant, Nicole Parisi organized a donor drive at her school and recruited 486 donors in one incredible day.
Read more
Interview with Erica Cohen, Donor Drive Initiator, Ohio University
During an astonishing one-day event, Erica and a group of dedicated volunteers, registered over 2,400 new donors. Less than a year later, at least one dozen potential matches have been found from Erica’s drive.
Read more
Regan gives a candid interview about her experience donating peripheral blood stem cells.
Regan registered with DKMS at a donor drive held on campus during her sophomore year at the University of Missouri. Six months later she was found to be a match for a mother of four suffering from leukemia. Three months after that Regan donated her bone marrow by the peripheral blood stem cell method.How did you feel when you found out that you were a match?
I was a little apprehensive at first but then the more I thought about it the more excited I got.
What made you decide to donate?
It wasn’t something I really decided; it was just something I knew I had to do. After I heard that I was a potential match and I learned a little more about the woman who was counting on me, I decided that I had to donate. I didn’t know how I could say no.
How long did the procedure take?
I had two shots a day for the four days prior to the collection and they each took about 30 minutes, but the procedure itself took a little less than six hours.
Did it hurt?
The procedure itself did not hurt at all. The shots prior to the procedure made my bones sore and gave me a few headaches. It was amazing, though, that immediately following the procedure all of the joint aches and headaches were gone. I was just a little tired.
Would you like to meet the patient?
At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about meeting her. But now that I have received a letter from her family and I know a little more about her, I think it would be the coolest experience. The thought of seeing the life I helped to save is an amazing feeling.
Would you do it again?
This is the question I am most frequently asked and every time I say, “In a heartbeat.” Knowing that I was the patient’s only chance, and that I was able to give her the gift of life is the best feeling I’ve ever had!
Annette talks about the thrill of getting to save a life.
The day I received my letter from DKMS saying that I was a potential match for a patient was an exciting moment. I had registered 2 years earlier at a local drive. My husband had been on the registry for almost 30 years and had only been notified once about being a possible match, although, he never got to donate. We were really thrilled about my chance to save a life and of course, I began "evangelizing" to anyone who would listen to my exciting news.
When I mentioned to people that I was a match for a stranger, they had two questions: "Wow, isn't that really painful?" and "Why would you donate to a stranger?" Well, not everyone asked the second question but pretty much everyone asked the first.
The process itself was not at all difficult. As a matter of fact, I appreciated having all of the medical work done and learning that I was in great health. That was just one of the many benefits of donating. The best thing, however, was being able to save a life!
There were forms to fill out and blood to be taken and once I was cleared to donate, the fun began. My donation was part of a randomized study, so I didn't know beforehand if I would be asked to donate Bone Marrow or Peripheral Blood Stem Cells. I secretly hoped I would get to donate bone marrow so I would be “out” for the entire procedure and would be able to proudly tell the world that the process was no big deal because I slept the entire time.
I was picked to donate Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (PBSC). This method required that I receive injections of filgrastim for 4 days prior to the first day of donation in order to increase the number of stem cells in my bloodstream. The DKMS Request Management Coordinator did a great job explaining every step so I knew that I might experience flu-like symptoms from the shots. I actually felt fine and went about my normal routine and even played tennis on day two. Donation day: I was a bit nervous about the actual process of donating PBSC but it all went really smoothly. It took around 4 1/2 hours on the first day and around 4 hours on the second day. The nurses and staff at Hackensack University Medical Center, where I donated, were extremely professional and caring. As they pointed out, their first and main concern was my welfare. They made sure that I was as comfortable as possible.
Surprisingly, the time flies by. I thought I would be really bored and antsy but I was neither. It helps to have a friend come along if only to help you if you need to use the bathroom.
At the end of the second day, I got unhooked from the machines and went home feeling great. I didn't experience any side effects or even feel tired. This was an incredibly special experience for me and I will move forward in life feeling extremely fortunate to have been a match for a patient whose life I could save. My husband took photographs and videos during the procedure so I could share this with my friends and family.
Additionally, I feel an obligation and desire to make sure that more people register as bone marrow donors. I organized a donor drive at the YMCA in NYC and also posted photos, comments, etc. on my Facebook page. I cannot say enough about how wonderfully DKMS treats you and how easy they make the entire process from start to finish. I highly recommend donating and invite everyone to register as a bone marrow donor so that you might one day be lucky enough to save a life.
David speaks about surviving.
In November of 2007, with my final year of law school commencing, I had everything to look forward to as I travelled home to Salt Lake City to visit my family for Thanksgiving. The energy of the season was in the air and I was feeling mentally and emotionally confident and secure. Everything in my life was fantastic, except for a persistent "cold" that I couldn't seem to shake.
I dismissed it, concluding it was some minor illness that would go away on its own. Over the course of the holiday, my condition worsened. At the insistence of my family, I went to the hospital the day before I was supposed to fly back to school in Spokane.
The hospital ordered several preliminary tests and when my results came back the doctor gave me a diagnosis that I never would have imagined - leukemia (cancer of the blood). My family and I were shocked. And not only was the diagnosis shocking, but my condition was critical. I was quickly transported to Intermountain - LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City where I was given more bad news… my chances of survival were very slim if I did not receive a bone marrow transplant soon.
Receiving a bone marrow transplant, as I soon learned, is "easier said than done," because a matching donor must first be found. The obvious place to look for a match was among my family members. Unfortunately for me, no one was a match. This meant I faced the daunting task of finding a "tissue twin" among the millions unrelated donors who were currently on the National Donor Registry. With no time to spare, I was lucky enough to find a match on the registry. What an incredible relief it was to know that against all odds, I might get the second chance at life that I so desperately wanted. My rekindled hope for survival was soon extinguished when the donor decided not to go through with the procedure at the last moment. This left me facing the brutal reality that a person who registered as a potential donor was not committed enough to donate and would therefore let me die.
With my life on the line, another search for a donor was initiated. This time, a DKMS donor who had recently joined the registry was determined to be my perfect match! Without delay, the donor's bone marrow was collected and delivered overnight so I could receive my transplant as soon as it arrived.
It has been over two years since I received my transplant, and I continue to make an amazing recovery! After months of struggle, not only was I able to graduate from law school, I was also rewarded with an invitation from DKMS to speak at their annual 2010 Gala (Linked Against Leukemia) in New York City. Most importantly though, I was able to meet my donor, Stefanie, for the first time and thank her for what she did for me. It was TRULY a gift to be able to meet the one person who, because of her selfless act, literally saved my life!
My experience with cancer has changed me in too many ways to articulate, but I believe it has ultimately made me a better person. I also know that if it wasn't for the selfless act of one very special person, I wouldn't be alive today, telling you this story. Thank you Stef for saving my life and thank you DKMS for making it possible!!!
Joshua Conley was only 9 years old when he was diagnosed with lymphoma.
When I learned I was diagnosed with lymphoma in January 2006, it almost didn’t register; but then it did and a flood of questions and worries overcame me. I had to go through a lot of treatment: steroids, radiation, and chemotherapy. I was only 9 years old at the time. I finally went into remission. The cancer was gone, for now. But the cancer came back aggressively, even while I was still on chemo. That’s when I found out I needed a bone marrow transplant. At the time, I had no idea what was to come.
The doctors took samples from my immediate family to see if one of them could be my donor. The closest match was my brother, but even my biological brother didn’t have similar enough DNA. So we waited for a donor, practically hoping for someone to fall out of the sky and say “Hey I’m your match.” About 2 and ½ months had passed when we learned I had a near perfect match. That was a long 2 and ½ months for me and my family. Some families wait much longer just to be told there is no match, no hope.
My family and I were ecstatic to hear the great news. All we were told about my donor was that he was a guy. I wondered what my donor was like and where he lived, basic stuff like that. But when I went to transplant, my donor slipped out of my mind and trying to feel better was my main focus. When you go through a bone marrow transplant, they “kill off” your bad immune system with total body radiation and chemotherapy. There is also a special medication regimen and diet, too. Recovering from transplant is a long, slow process, but after several months I was leaving the hospital with my new bone marrow.
A year later I met Aaron, my donor, at the DKMS Fundraising Gala. It was probably the best evening ever! I can’t even explain how meeting Aaron felt. All I can say is that it was a good feeling. Aaron, you are literally a life saver…my life saver!
If you are not registered, please sign up now so maybe you can save a life. Somewhere, someone may be waiting for you.
Interview with Katie Taylor, Donor Drive Initiator, University of Pittsburgh
February 2010, 373 donors registered
What inspired you to organize the donor drive?
When I was in college I went to a donor drive with my sister and I was struck by what a rewarding experience it was. It wasn't something I knew a lot about at the time, but I was touched by how many people came out to support it, and by how many people's lives were touched by it in some way.
What was the planning process like?
Initially I was worried about the planning process. I had never organized something like this before and I wasn't quite sure what to do. DKMS was absolutely great. They laid out the entire list of things that needed to be done and suggested timelines. They guided me through the entire process with obvious expertise that they individualize for me by asking me questions about what my school was like and how people spread the word there, etc. They truly tailored their approach for maximum effectiveness in our city and for our students.
What makes for a successful college donor drive?
The single most important thing for the success of a donor drive is circulating information. Although we put up flyers and signs and announced the drive in classes, the majority of people who came said they had been told by a friend. People trust their friends much more than they do a flyer. If you can talk to people and get them to understand what bone marrow donation is, what the risks and benefits are and why it’s needed, then chances are they'll tell their friends about it. This way you've reached more than just the one person.
What has been the most rewarding part of this experience for you?
The most rewarding part was the reaction from my friends and my family. They were so proud of me and so supportive of what I was doing. It made me want to do it all over again!
What would you say to students considering organizing a bone marrow drive at their college?
Number 1. Do It! Don't be scared.
I know it can seem overwhelming, but trust me there are people who will help you and you will be amazed by how creative and imaginative you can be and by what you can do when you try.
Number 2. Don't be afraid to ask your friends and classmates for help. You don’t have to do this all yourself. People you might never expect to be interested will ask, "What can I do to help?" Cancer touches a great many lives and it is difficult to talk about. Friends I’d known for years came up to me and told me stories I had never heard before about family members and friends who had cancer. Once you decide to do it, the rest will come together. It won't be easy, but it will surprise you how capable you are.
Interview with Nicole Parisi, Donor Drive Initiator, Saint Leo University
March 2010, 468 donors registered
Inspired by a 6-year-old girl in need of a bone marrow transplant, Nicole Parisi organized a donor drive at her school and recruited 486 donors in one incredible day.
What inspired you to organize the donor drive?
I saw a little 6-year-old girl with leukemia on the front page of a local newspaper. A bone marrow transplant was her only hope for survival. Since she didn’t have any perfect matches, I decided to attend a donor drive in her honor. After that I was thinking, “Wow! I want to try to help out more.” I decided that organizing a bone marrow drive at my college would be the perfect way to help save lives and make a difference.
What was the planning process like?
The planning process was very time consuming, but exciting at the same time. It is important to get a motivated group of volunteers that are dedicated to having a successful donor drive. It was fun getting to know a lot of different people on campus by spreading the word about this good cause.
What makes for a successful college donor drive?
One of the things that contributed to the success of my drive was partnering with a local patient who needed a bone marrow transplant. If people see the actual face of patient who will die without a transplant, they are more likely to listen.
Educating people that being a bone marrow donor is NOT the most painful thing in the world is also essential. Very effective ways to get the word out are:
- Going door to door in the campus dorms to tell people about bone marrow donation one-on-one.
- Posting flyers EVERYWHERE!
- Making t-shirts that promote the drive.
- Making announcements at student government meetings, at Greek meetings, at other campus organization meetings and in ALL your classes. Ask all your friends to do the same.
What has been the most rewarding part of this experience for you?
This whole experience was amazing. Knowing that hard work can literally save a life is the most rewarding part. It also means a lot to me that I inspired so many people to make the heroic decision to try to save a life.
What would you say to students considering organizing a bone marrow drive at their college?
Definitely do it! You can help save so many lives and make a difference in this world. It is truly such a wonderful thing to do. Be dedicated to putting a lot of time and effort into your drive. However, the work does not all have to be done by you. If you recruit caring, motivated volunteers they will be able to reduce the amount of work you’ll do alone. Just remember, with all your efforts you can literally save a life!
Interview with Erica Cohen, Donor Drive Initiator, Ohio University
As a junior, Erica organized a bone marrow donor drive at Ohio University. During an astonishing one-day event, Erica and a group of dedicated volunteers, registered over 2,400 new donors. Less than a year later, at least one dozen potential matches have been found from Erica’s drive!
What inspired you to organize the donor drive?
I was inspired to organize my drive because a close friend of mine was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of leukemia and needed a bone marrow transplant. Initially, there was no match for him on the registry. I knew that if we were unable to find him a match, he would not survive. I decided to play my part and register donors in hopes of saving the lives of Tony and countless other patients like him.
What makes for a successful college donor drive?
To have a successful college drive, education is the #1 priority. Most college students don't realize how easy it is to become a bone marrow or stem cell donor. Additionally, you need to get the word out to anyone and everyone. Facebook was amazing. We got 1,500 flyers printed and hung them anywhere and everywhere on campus and in local businesses. We spoke to dozens of large classes. Making sure everyone knows about the event is essential.
What has been the most rewarding part of this experience for you?
The most rewarding aspect of my drive has been learning that people who registered at Ohio University are being called as matches. One of my close friends was found to be a perfect match and he called me to say how honored he is to have the opportunity to save a man's life. Many people from the drive tell me that they hope they will, one day, be lucky enough to match a patient. Even if I never get to donate myself, I am glad to know that I was responsible for recruiting people who will get to save a life by donating. That is an amazing feeling!
What would you say to students considering organizing a bone marrow drive at their college?
THINK BIG. Keep trying new ideas and see what works and what doesn't. Be prepared to dedicate a lot of time and energy into the planning process, but know that if you give it your all, the results will be phenomenal.
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