Today, we’re celebrating an incredible act of kindness, selflessness, and heroism. Ashlee, the daughter of one of our own here at New Finish, has truly given the gift of life!
Eight years ago, Ashlee performed a simple saliva swab, joining the Gift of Life Marrow Registry in response to a plea from a schoolmate whose father had leukemia.
Though that story ended tragically, Ashlee’s swab remained in the system, her commitment unwavering. Fast forward to now, and Ashlee was contacted as a perfect match for a 63-year-old woman from Lithuania battling aggressive leukemia.
After months of meticulous matching, bloodwork, and preparation, Ashlee and her mom Brenda were flown to Gift of Life’s headquarters in Boca Raton, FL, where the life-saving procedure took place on January 14th.
How It Works: The Science of Saving Lives
Ashlee underwent a peripheral blood stem cell donation (PBSC), a remarkable medical procedure that involved:
- A week of medications and special injections to stimulate stem cell production.
- Today’s donation process, where Ashlee was connected to a machine with one line drawing blood out and another returning it after spinning out the stem cells.
- The blood cycled through six times between 9 AM and 3:30 PM, with Ashlee remaining hooked up the entire time.
The collected stem cells are already en route to Lithuania, where they will be used immediately to give hope and healing to a woman in desperate need.
A Shoutout to the Amazing Team
We cannot thank enough the dedicated team of medical professionals at Gift of Life in Boca Raton who guided Ashlee every step of the way. From the thorough screenings to the compassionate care during the donation process, their commitment and expertise truly shine. This program proves how a global community of donors and medical experts can come together to save lives.
Why You Should Join the Registry
Ashlee’s story is a testament to the power of becoming a registered donor. With just a quick saliva swab, anyone can join the Gift of Life Marrow Registry and potentially save a life. The process is simpler than you might think, and the impact is immeasurable.
Ashlee’s courage and generosity exemplify what it means to make a difference, and we couldn’t be prouder to call her our hero.
Thank you, Ashlee, for being a shining example of what humanity is capable of. Your efforts may not only save this woman’s life but also inspire others to join the registry and become part of the life-saving movement.
To learn more about how you can get involved, visit www.giftoflife.org or call 1-800-9MARROW (1-800-962-7769). Signing up is quick, and your commitment could be the lifeline someone needs.
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