Ebi's legacy and the impact for future transplant patients
Ebi's legacy and the impact for future transplant patients
While fighting his own cancer battle, Ebi inspired thousands to sign up as a potential blood stem cell donor.
Ebiowei Porbeni, affectionately known as Nurse Ebi, was someone who made a difference. For his patients. For other nurses. And for patients who need a blood stem cell transplant.
Ebi's life was cut short after a battle with leukemia, but the social media influencer and health care advocate left a lasting legacy. He used the tremendous reach of his NurseLifeRN social media account and Nurse Speak podcast to encourage people to join the NMDP Registry℠ as a potential blood stem cell donor.
He knew just how important it was because Ebi needed a donor, too.
"Ebi wanted to do something bigger and better to help others"
Ebi was an ICU nurse who reached more than 1.2 million followers via his online presence.
"The most special thing that Ebi did was that he pioneered a safe space for nurses and health care professionals to have real conversations what we could never, ever have anywhere else," shared Katie Duke, a nurse practitioner and influencer. "He established a community that was millions strong. People knew that if they needed somewhere to get some support, the first place that they can go is NurseLifeRN."
Ebi found out he had leukemia in September 2020. Throughout his treatment journey, he shared his experiences navigating chemotherapy, medical costs and the importance of health screenings.
The nurse in Ebi wanted to do something bigger and better to help others. And that's when he started to really, really push people to sign up for [the NMDP Registry] because he himself needed a match. He was the patient and also still the provider.
Katie Duke
How Ebi left a lasting legacy
NMDP℠ worked with Ebi from January to July 2021 to raise awareness about the registry and recruit and educate potential donors. After his first social media post about NMDP, more than 1,000 people registered in one day.
Over the next few months while he was getting treatment, Ebi took to his NurseLifeRN account to share patient stories and ask his audience to join the registry on his behalf. His community stepped up as they saw the impact they could make on thousands of people who need blood stem cell transplants.
My brother always wanted to leave some mark. When he got diagnosed with his cancer, he was able to use his platform to help bring over 15,000 people to sign up for [the registry]. I think this was a great way for him to have a lasting legacy.
Layifa
Ebi’s brother
"He's going to continue to save more lives"
Ebi passed away on July 21, 2021, from his battle with leukemia but his legacy lives on through all of those who he inspired to join the registry who will be there in the future for those in need.
Inspired by Ebi's commitment to his work as a nurse, NMDP partnered with the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) to support the nursing community in a meaningful way and honor Ebi's legacy. The NBNA Ebi Porbeni Memorial Scholarship presented by NMDP offers two $5,000 scholarships each year to nursing students to continue to diversify the medical field.
"There's a lot we can learn from people like Ebi," shared Ryan Pena, a manager in Marketing at NMDP. "I don't know if there's anyone really like him. People will continue to see the impact of his advocacy and love for many years to come. He's going to continue to save more lives. So, thank you, Ebi."
You can help make a lasting impact by joining the NMDP Registry and saying "Yes," if you're called to donate.