As a teenager, Josh excelled at sports but didn’t think he had much to offer in any other respect. When a friend and classmate was being treated for leukemia, Josh learned his blood type did not match hers but registered as a marrow donor anyway, thinking he might be able to help someone else in the future. He got that chance in November, 2003. By that time, he had graduated high school and was ready to join the US Air Force. But when told his tissue type was a perfect match for a little boy who needed a transplant, Josh didn’t hesitate, even though basic training was just a couple weeks away. “

There was no question about doing it,” he says. During the procedure, marrow was withdrawn from his hip bone through a long needle. “I was a little sore doing sit-ups for awhile,” he was admits, “but it really didn’t bother me that much. It really wasn’t bad.” Josh’s marrow was rushed from Grand Rapids, Michigan to a Houston, Texas hospital where a little boy was waiting for the transplant doctors believed was his best hope for staving off acute myeloid leukemia.”

Just over a year later, the hospital forwarded Josh a letter from the mother of that little boy, whose name was Jared. He was once again healthy and strong, she said; Josh had saved his life. “I’m really glad,” Josh says. “It’s a great feeling, knowing you can help someone. I would encourage anyone to register as a marrow donor. Anybody can do this.”

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