Original published date: 3/17/2023

Some people like to sit back and slow down as they start to get older. But those people aren't Gary.

"I'm a skier, a whitewater rafter, a windsurfer... later in life, I learned to fly," said Gary, who's in his 70s but casually lists off hobbies like someone half his age.

But blood cancers and disorders can come for anyone—even adventurers like Gary. In October 2020, he was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Thanks to a selfless donor found with the help of NMDP, Gary received a life-saving blood stem cell transplant in March 2021. He and his wife, Lauren, have since become passionate supporters of our mission to save lives through cell therapy.

In 2022, the couple committed to making a legacy gift through their estate after hearing about NMDP's exciting Donor for All research, which is unlocking access to treatment through innovative research that significantly expands options for suitable donors for those without a fully matched donor.

You can be a hero for patients, too, by making a legacy gift or through other types of planned giving.

After Gary's diagnosis, his siblings were tested, but they weren't the optimal matches that would give him the best chance at survival and success. So he and the doctors turned to the NMDP Registry^SM for their best shot at finding a suitable unrelated donor.

Fortunately, they found Tim—and he loves adventure, just like Gary. (Soccer, skiing and scuba diving are a few of his favorites.) Tim said "yes" when called to donate, and he saved Gary's life. The two men have now met and will forever share a special bond. In fact, Gary has made several financial gifts to NMDP—one of which he made in Tim's name, to honor his good and giving heart.

After transplant, Gary was so weak that he had to learn how to walk again. But he felt blessed to have such a wonderful medical team and considers them heroes, along with all those involved in the transplant process.

Gary and Lauren recognize the unique role we all play when it comes to giving people the chance at a life-saving transplant—be it as researchers, doctors, donors, volunteers, financial supporters or other mission supporters.

"You don't have to run into the fire to be a hero," he said. "A hero is someone who does something for the betterment of humanity, simply because they are gracious, giving people."

Gary and Lauren have made several financial gifts to NMDP in gratitude of the organization's role in giving Gary the chance live out this new phase of his life.

In 2021, they made a significant gift to NMDP to support our efforts to grow and diversify the NMDP Registry. Then, in 2022, the couple committed to a generous legacy gift through their estate after hearing about our Donor for All initiative, which is unlocking the door to donors and transplants for more patients than ever.

Gary says he’ll continue doing everything he can to support our life-saving mission and that his gratitude will never fade. “My devotion to NMDP is a lifetime calling. I will be standing side by side with NMDP for the rest of my life.”

With NMDP, good goes a long way. You can make your own lasting impact on patients' lives by including us in your estate plan or through other types of planned giving. Your gift helps us grow the registry, invest in life-changing research and remove financial barriers to treatment.