BONE MARROW DONOR: Gonzaga student saved a life

It was both a shock and a tragedy when my lifelong Montana friend, Linda, was diagnosed with deadly leukemia in 2021. About the same time, Spencer Jacobs, a student at Gonzaga Law School, signed up to be a bone marrow donor.

This young man generously provided life to a complete stranger without regard to their politics or beliefs. Spencer is as heroic as a man who rescues a person from drowning or pulls someone from a car crash. He saved a life and deserves to be acknowledged as such!

Spencer was a perfect match for my friend Linda and his altruistic choice literally saved her life. A recent dinner at my home became the setting for their first meeting. Both Spencer and Marit, his wife, are very friendly, fun and a model for how to be in this world. Their humility and kindness are in sharp contrast to all the negativity that we hear about in today’s world. Their sense of community is open and loving, even to strangers.

Every three minutes, someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukemia. ‘Be the Match’ is the organization that connects patients with a donor for a life-saving marrow transplant. Ordinary people can provide a cure and registering can only take 10 minutes. Check out this organization and see if it is for you.

CARLA DVORACEK

Coeur d’Alene