Devoted volunteer couriers continue delivering life-saving cells in times of uncertainty

Laura and Dod Michael's dedication and commitment to NMDP began the day Laura donated her blood stem cells to a cancer patient in need.

"We didn't realize the extent of the network—the volunteers, medical professionals, coordinators—making this life-saving work happen until we saw it firsthand," Laura says. "We were truly in awe."

From there, they began working at donor recruitment drives. And in 2011, they became volunteer couriers to deliver life-saving cells to transplant patients across the country. "My first courier trip was on the one-year anniversary of my blood stem cell collection," Laura shares. Since then, she and Dod have taken a total of 130 trips, about 7¼ trips each per year.

In addition to giving their time, Laura and Dod give to NMDP financially—both directly and through their estate plan. As Laura sees it, "If you have a disease that can be cured, why wouldn't you want to support that process?" Working in the pharmaceutical industry, she and Dod have seen a fair number of ineffective drugs and their side effects. But when it comes to marrow transplants, Dod says, "NMDP provides cures. We're not still hoping or looking for a cure—it's here today."

Even during these challenging times, Laura and Dod remain steadfast in their mission to help NMDP democratize cell therapy so everyone who needs a cure gets one. Any fears or uncertainty about the global pandemic haven't hindered their commitment as volunteer couriers. "I have a sense of duty to do it even more now," Laura explains. "We're healthy, we don't have kids, and we have the flexibility to serve."

They both traveled as recently as mid-June, and aside from much emptier flights, their travel has not been impacted. According to Dod, he doesn't feel any different than he does any time he makes a delivery, "I'm still delivering a chance—a hope—for a patient to get better," he says. "It's still just as valuable—every single patient feels special."

Laura adds, "I think about the donors who are donating at this time of uncertainty. I'm so proud of every single person."

Describing their personal commitment to continue delivering life-saving cells to patients, Laura says, "Bone marrow donations are often the only life-saving option for patients. Being part of an organization that matches selfless donors to patients in need gives us a strong sense of community and hope. And we have a profound sense of responsibility to bring this hope to others."

To learn more about supporting NMDP, contact Amy Bigot at (763) 406-8725 | Toll Free: (800) 507-54271 or amy.bigot@nmdp.org. If you have already included us in your future plans, please contact and notify us so we can thank you for your generosity.