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.
"My friend’s father was diagnosed with leukemia and when I found out that he had the chance of receiving a marrow transplant, I registered as a marrow donor. Prior to this, I didn’t know anything about marrow donation and I was surprised to learn about how easy it is to register and become a donor.
“I registered as a marrow donor about one year ago at the Friends of Forgotten Children drive in Concord, New Hampshire organized by DKMS and Michael Guglielmo, Baby Giovanni’s father. I never thought that I would be called because it is difficult to be found as a match for someone, but when I did I was excited about the possibility of saving someone'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.
“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 know that I will be a match for someone-that I will save a life.”
Lenny McKnight,
1st DKMS Americas Bone Marrow Donor
“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
More than 1.7 million others are fighting for the cause.