11-Year Old from Scotland Meets Lifesaving Bone Marrow Donor from United States

Bone marrow transplant recipient Eve Ferguson meets lifesaving donor Mickey Passman at Gift of Life's 15th Annual Gala in New York City on June 11, 2015. (Photo: David Nicholas)

BOCA RATON, Fla.--()--11-year old bone marrow transplant recipient Eve Ferguson met her lifesaving donor Mickey Passman at Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation’s 15th Annual Partners for Life Gala in New York City held June 11, 2015. The transplant was facilitated though the partnership between Gift of Life and Anthony Nolan.

Gift of Life, the U.S. bone marrow and blood stem cell registry found Eve’s donor following the search by Anthony Nolan, the U.K.’s bone marrow registry.

Eve Ferguson, an 11-year-old leukemia survivor who resides in Scotland was joined by her mother, Wendy and other family members for the opportunity to meet, for the first time, her donor, Mickey Passman, a 31-year-old attorney from Chicago, Ill.

“Donors are the most amazing, selfless, people,” said Wendy Campbell. “We will be forever grateful to this man — he saved Eve’s life. How do you thank somebody for that? There are no words to describe how I feel.”

Friends and supporters of Gift of Life witnessed the emotional moments when two other transplant recipients from the United States were introduced to their donors also.

“When someone’s life is at risk there’s no reason to hesitate,” said Passman. “I can’t imagine the feeling of having to rely on a stranger for a transplant. I would like everyone who makes Gift of Life’s work possible to know that they are creating great opportunities to save lives.”

The event marked the 20th anniversary of the bone marrow transplant that helped Gift of Life Founder and CEO Jay Feinberg to overcome leukemia, saving his life and inspiring him to establish the organization.

“The gala is about inspiring action and celebrating triumph,” said Feinberg. “The courageous donors and survivors represent the gift of life that we are committed to providing for every child and adult in need, and I hope their stories will move others to join us.”

As Gift of Life’s signature annual fundraiser, the gala supports the foundation’s mission to educate and recruit donors, pay for lab testing, grow and maintain its donor registry and facilitate transplants. The Gift of Life registry has facilitated more than 2,800 life-saving transplants.

About Gift of Life

Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives and facilitating bone marrow and blood stem cell transplants for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and other blood-related diseases. Ranking among the top international bone marrow registries, Gift of Life’s vision is to find A match. Anytime. Anywhere. For anyone. www.giftoflife.org.

About Gift of Life

Anthony Nolan is the U.K.'s bone marrow and stem cell register. It was the world's first bone marrow register, set up by Shirley Nolan in 1974, in an attempt to find a match for her son Anthony and others like him in need of a transplant. www.anthonynolan.org.

Contacts

The Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation
Amy Glanzman, 561-982-2900 Ext. 2957
aglanzman@giftoflife.org

Release Summary

11-year old bone marrow transplant recipient Eve Ferguson meets lifesaving donor Mickey Passman at Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation’s 15th Annual Partners for Life Gala.

Contacts

The Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation
Amy Glanzman, 561-982-2900 Ext. 2957
aglanzman@giftoflife.org