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Donor Stories
Several A3M donors have gone on to give their marrow to a patient in need of a transplant. Click on a donor's name below to read about their experience of giving the gift of life.
Back Row: Prabhat Gautam, Ron Balbuena, Anne Egan, Roger Yang
Middle Row: Se-Yao Hsu, Patty Hashimoto, Cherin Chang, Leslie Yap, Victor Fukuhara
Front Row: Franklin Wen, Annie Yun Kim, Donghee Shin, Tracy Kuo, Vuong Nguyen
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Se-Yao Hsu
I registered when I got an email about a patient. I had forgotten that I had even registered. So when I received a call, I asked what kind of match I was. They said “bone marrow match” and asked if I wanted to go ahead. I thought if I can help somebody to regain their life, why not. |
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Leslie Yap
Two years after I was registered, they called me at my work. I remember thinking that if that were to be my child and someone was a match for him, I would want that person to say yes. So I knew it was the right thing to do. |
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Vuong Nguyen
Seventeen years after I registered, I received a call to let me know that I was a match. Many Asians don’t have much knowledge about this program, so 90% of my friends and family tried to talk me out of it. I felt that all patients have family members, husbands, wives, and probably young children. I prayed everyday, honestly, for the patient, saying, “Hang tight, hang in there. Hopefully I can help.” |
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Tracy Kuo
I registered because there were some free cookies and apple juice. I did not think I was going to get called. I thought this was a very uncomplicated way to save someone else’s life. My mother was very positive. She said, “Go for it.” For me it was a very fulfilling experience. |
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Prabhat Gautam
I was interested in organ donation. So I thought, “Why would I not donate marrow while I was alive?” If I get a chance, I would donate again. One thing I would remember to do is to update my information so they can find me. |
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Annie Yun Kim
When I donated my marrow, I almost felt like I was handpicked for this opportunity. For me it was a very spiritual experience. The earlier you register, the better it is. |
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Patty Hashimoto
I was really excited when my husband informed me that I was a match. At the time, I was out of the country, so I let my husband know via email to please tell them that I was interested if they could wait. When my children found out, they said, “Do it mom, do it.” |
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Victor Fukuhara
A friend of mine was diagnosed with leukemia, so we did a drive since there were very few Japanese in the registry. That was the first drive. It was really not about me. It was about the patient. I felt like I had to do it. |
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Franklin Wen
I was excited when I received a call from the donor center. It was almost like winning the lottery. My family encouraged me to do it. I thought the technology and medicine is so advanced, so I had no concerns. In fact, I was praying for the patient. |
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