After not being a match for the person he originally swabbed for, Avrohom was delighted to learn years later that he was a match for someone else! He went on to save the life of a fellow Jew halfway around the world.

MC: Where and when did you join the donor registry?

AS: A few years ago, I participated in a drive for a member of my local community. It was held at Rabbi Landau’s Synagogue, very close to where I live and grew up in Brooklyn. I wasn’t a match that day and thought that was it. Then earlier this year I got a call informing me that not only am I on the donor registry, I am a match!

MC: For whom were you a match?

AS: I was asked to help save the life of a 67-year-old woman suffering from acute leukemia.

MC: How did you feel about making the decision to donate? Especially considering that you forgot about joining the donor registry.

AS: I was mostly nervous, but knew it was the right thing to do. I would want someone to do this for me or for someone I care about. I really hope that one day I am able to meet the healthy recipient.

MC: When did you donate and how was the procedure?

AS: I donated my stem cells this past May. This is actually the non-surgical of the two types of donating procedures. I had to get Filgrastim injections for five days leading up to the donation day [Filgrastim is a medication that increases the number of stem cells in the bloodstream.] Then on donation day, it was as simple as giving blood. A needle went into one of my arms to draw blood out, which then went through a machine to separate and collect the blood-forming stem cells the recipient needed. The remaining blood was then returned to me through my other arm. My stem cells returned to normal levels on their own after a few days.

MC: Are there any lasting effects?

AS: Physically, I am perfectly fine. I went to work the next day. However, the amazing feeling that comes with helping save someone’s life will stay with me forever.

MC: What would you tell your friends and neighbors about Matnas Chaim?

AS: Nothing compares to the feelings of pride and joy you get from giving the gift of life. I highly recommend that everyone get in touch with Matnas Chaim.