Suffolk Reporter

Every few minutes, someone in the United States receives a blood cancer diagnosis, as reported by the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). For many patients, a bone marrow or stem cell transplant offers the best chance of survival. However, with only 30% finding a match within their family, most depend on strangers willing to donate.

Stony Brook University is addressing this need by hosting an NMDP donor drive from March 24-27 at the Student Activities Center. The event will be held from 10 am to 4 pm each day and provides students and community members the opportunity to join the registry through a simple cheek swab. Participants may join the 37 Seawolves already registered.

Evan Gauer, an alumnus of Stony Brook University, understands this process well. In 2021, he participated in an on-campus donor drive while recruiting for the Stony Brook rugby team. A year later, he was identified as a match for a nine-year-old boy battling blood cancer.

"That moment really shifted my perspective," Gauer stated. "After my surgery, I knew I had to do more. Getting involved with NMDP became a mission for me."

Since his donation, Gauer has focused on recruiting donors and raising awareness about the registry's importance. He has attended major events like Governors Ball Music Festival and New York Islanders games to sign up potential donors and share his experience. Additionally, he raises funds for NMDP and recently ran in the New York City half marathon for their team.

"The biggest challenge is awareness," Gauer explained. "People hear 'bone marrow donation' and assume it’s painful or risky, but that’s not usually the case."

Gauer also shares his story with Stony Brook's NMDP student group and encourages fellow Seawolves to join the registry.

"Signing up takes minutes, but it could mean the world to someone in need," Gauer noted.

Outside of his work with NMDP — previously known as Be The Match — Gauer co-founded GetTalky, an AI-powered health technology company aimed at improving patient-provider connections. His journey began at Stony Brook University where he gained experience in business competitions like WolfieTank and Small Business Development Center contests.

Gauer credits Ed Fabian, an adjunct professor in Stony Brook's MBA program, as one of his significant influences who introduced him to organic networking concepts which helped shape GetTalky's vision.

"The conversations I had with professors... directly influenced what our company looks like today," said Gauer.

The university encourages students, faculty, and staff to participate in the upcoming NMDP drive by swabbing their cheeks—an action that could potentially save lives.