Sometimes a simple decision made years ago can become a life-changing moment for someone else. While monitoring our community conversations, our team came across an Instagram post from NMDP donor Zack Stachowski sharing his experience as a bone marrow donor. His story stood out—not only because of the impact he made for a patient in need, but because it highlighted the importance of joining the registry and being ready when the call comes.
We reached out to Zack to learn more about his journey—from joining the registry in 2004, to receiving the unexpected call that he was a match, to completing his donation with the support of NMDP and Memorial Blood Centers.
What started as a way to help a friend ultimately became an opportunity to give another person hope, time, and a chance at a healthier future. Zack’s experience is a powerful reminder that every person who joins the registry has the potential to become someone’s lifesaver.
Why do you think it’s important for more people to join the registry?
I first entered the registry when a friend of mine, who was diagnosed with a form of leukemia, was holding a donor registration drive at our church. After I realized I was not a match for her, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be a match for someone, but I was happy to stay on the registry just in case. The bar for being a match is so high -so there’s a demand that can only be met if more people join the registry. I was told by the nurses that it is often people of color and different ethnic backgrounds that can often have the hardest time finding a match. Being of Asian descent myself, I hope more people entering the registry can help address that disparity.
What was your reaction/emotion when you found out you were a match for someone with leukemia?
Honestly, since it had been so long ago, I had forgotten that I was still in the registry. The first few minutes of the call were spent jogging my memory about it. After that, I felt honored to be given the opportunity to help someone in this way.
Did you hesitate at all, or did you know right away you wanted to move forward?
My only hesitation was out of concern for my 3-year old son and wife, if there were any risks or adverse side-effects. Once my concerns about that were assuaged, I was ready to move forward.
The donation experience was made very easy by everyone at NMDP and the Memorial Blood Center. I was surprised at the level of support that was offered at every step of the process -the level of attention and care was incredible. For anyone who is nervous about being a donor, I would say that NMDP and MBC are with you every step of the way and are more than willing to answer questions and provide any support you may need.
I feel honored to be able to help someone in such a critical way. In terms of my perspective, I kept thinking “what if I, my son, my wife, or any family or friend needed this -I would hope someone would answer the call for them as well.”
If someone is on the fence about registering, what would you tell them?
I would tell them that the people from NMDP and MBC are incredibly helpful and supportive. They included my wife on all the info sessions so she was aware of everything that was happening. I would say that for many people in need of donation, it is there only chance at survival.
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about bone marrow donation?
In speaking with friends and family, most of them thought the only way to do the donation was via invasive surgery. I would want people to understand that now this often no longer the case. The process I experienced was only minimally invasive and just felt like a long blood donation.
I have been less focused on what it means for me, but hoping that it has a significant and beneficial impact for the recipient. I know with these diseases, sometimes not everything works out. I hope it does for her and that she is able to live a happy and meaningful life. For me, it was more about hoping that if someone like this ever affects my family, that there would be someone willing to go through the process for them.
