In 2013, while representing Saint Peter’s Sports Medicine Institute at a health and wellness event, I met someone who would change my life forever. A representative from DKMS, a global organization dedicated to the fight against leukemia and other blood cancers, was there registering people to become bone marrow and stem cell donors. As he explained the process, he shared something profound: my bone marrow or stem cells could save the life of a person battling leukemia.
It was then that I was reminded of a close family friend who had been diagnosed with leukemia when I was growing up. It was a painful and frightening experience, but thankfully, she not only survived but thrived. Today, she has a successful career in the fitness industry with a loving husband and a healthy child. Her story became my anchor, and without hesitation, I decided to register as a bone marrow donor.
A few years later, in 2015 I was informed that I was actually a match for a 34-year-old woman from Maryland! The excitement and anxiety were overwhelming. However, after undergoing additional tests, I was told that my donation was no longer needed. Had they found a better match? Had the recipient recovered or, sadly, passed away?, I never found out the reason, but the experience stuck with me.
My Father-in-Law’s Diagnosis
Life had a way of bringing me back to the cause in unexpected ways. In 2023, my father-in-law, who had been a patient at 3DPT in the past, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a form of blood cancer. It was a heartbreaking moment for our family, and as you can imagine, there was little I could do other than offer my support, thoughts, and prayers. But then, a memory surfaced from years prior: my registration as a stem cell donor.
I realized that the more people who register, the higher the chances of finding a match for someone in need. I couldn’t just sit by and do nothing. I decided to use my role as the CMO of 3DPT to launch a virtual drive to encourage more people to register as bone marrow and stem cell donors. Despite my efforts, only three people initially signed up. It wasn’t the success I had hoped for, but it didn’t matter. My father-in-law, fortunately, didn’t need a stem cell transplant, and he made a full recovery. As a result, I decided to pause the drive, and the idea faded into the background.
A Full Circle Moment: Donation Day
Fast forward to April 2025. I received an email that I had been matched again. This time, it was a 43-year-old man from Canada, diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), another form of blood cancer. I was initially apprehensive—what if things didn’t work out like last time? But this time, the need was real, and I was ready.
The donation process was much more involved than I had anticipated. It began with a series of blood tests, physical exams, and detailed questionnaires. I even had to inject myself with medication to stimulate stem cell growth—a process that was admittedly a little daunting. But in the end, everything fell into place. On September 2, 2025, I underwent the donation procedure.
The process was remarkably smooth. I spent a few hours at the donation center, where they extracted my stem cells through a procedure known as apheresis, which is similar to donating plasma. A few days later, I received an update: the recipient had received my stem cells and was beginning his journey toward recovery. The cells would begin to work within 24-48 hours, and I felt a profound sense of peace, knowing that I had contributed to saving a life.
Check out this video from the big day (and hear about Chuck’s record-breaking donation!)
Why I Donated: A Legacy of Hope
When people ask me why I decided to donate, my answer is simple: because I could. Stem cell and bone marrow donation is a profound gift. It’s not just about donating cells; it’s about offering someone the chance to fight for their life, to see their children grow, or to chase their dreams. The incredible thing is that you don’t have to be a hero to make this kind of impact. You only need to take the first step—by registering.
Since 2013, my journey has come full circle—from registering as a donor at a wellness event, to launching a virtual drive for more registrants, to finally completing the donation process myself. This experience has reinforced the truth that we all have the power to make a difference in someone’s life. And sometimes, it’s a difference that can mean the world.
If my story encourages just one person to register as a stem cell or bone marrow donor, then this article will have done its job. The more people who register, the greater the chances that someone battling leukemia can find their match—and ultimately, their chance at life.
How You Can Help
If you’re interested in becoming a bone marrow or stem cell donor, I encourage you to visit the DKMS website or another reputable organization dedicated to this cause. It takes only a few minutes to register, and you could be the one to save a life. Whether you’re motivated by personal experiences or just the desire to help someone in need, your decision to donate can have a ripple effect that extends far beyond what you can imagine.
3DPT has partnered with DKMS to host a virtual drive!
Click HERE to register and request a free kit to see if you’re a match to save a life
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