In 2012, as a 20 year old Eastern CT State University Kinesiology Major and Soccer team Captain, Jon was the picture of health. That would all change when he was diagnosed with aplastic anemia and then Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.
During a 2+ year long double fight for his life, Jon received an enormous amount of support, including over 100 units of blood. He is also a stem cell transplant recipient.
“I had amazing support through friends and family, I had amazing doctors and nurses that always motivated me to get back on my feet.”
Thanks to blood and stem cell donors, Jon is healthy and now works for the Connecticut Blood Center’s Donor Resources and Be the Match programs. Be the Match partners with the blood center, working to register eligible individuals for the National Marrow Donor Registry in order to help find matches for patients in need.
“It’s truly an honor working for this life-saving organization. Working every day to provide necessary blood to hospitals where I received many units as a patient has brought me nothing but joy.”
A Glastonbury, CT native, Jon is now 29 and has been cancer-free for 8 years.
Help someone like Jon by making an appointment today.