Emily Hathcock, former HOSA Executive Council Member and Alumni, will donate as a result of the joining the Be The Match registry. Below are two quotes from Emily.

“I have some really exciting news for you all. Earlier today, I received a phone call I never thought I would ever receive. Be the Match called me and informed me that I matched with an individual in need. When they asked me if I would move forward with the process, I responded with absolutely. I am over the moon at the moment and am praying very hard that from here on out this process goes smoothly. I wanted to email you all to keep you in the loop and to share this exciting news considering Be the Match is our current service project. I am having blood work done next Tuesday and should know in the next couple of months if I will 100% be this person’s donor!”

“Hi!! I know I said a couple of months ago that I would keep everyone updated with my Be the Match news. Last month, I was put on hold as the primary peripheral stem cell donor for an individual in need. Today, I got another call (the one we’ve all been waiting for). As of right now, I will be donating stem cells in Seattle, Washington on December 20th. I am in complete shock and am beyond excited. Honestly, there are a lot of emotions swirling around right now as I try to find the words to describe what I am feeling. 

Jim Koeninger, Ph.D., Executive Director, responded to Emily’s news:

We are so very thankful for HOSA members like you who “walk the talk!” Too many of us advocate for a cause but only a percentage sign up and are ready to donate the stem cells or whatever is required.  If I were you and had an opportunity to save a life, Emily, I would be euphoric!  Hopefully, by sharing your experience, others will want to become a donor and have a similar experience by saving a life.  This will be an unforgettable holiday as we celebrate your willingness to GIVE your stem cells to a patient in need!  Wow!

HOSA will share more on Emily’s journey as it becomes available!

HOSA Receives the Grow Award from Be The Match!

View the HOSA Award Segment

MINNEAPOLIS – Nov. 18, 2021 – The National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP)/Be The Match® recently presented its 2021 Grow Award to HOSA – Future Health Professionals Association, a global student-led organization that empowers young leaders with unique classroom experiences and opportunities in health professions. HOSA, widely known for its strong fundraising and volunteer engagement among secondary and postsecondary student members, is based in Southlake, Texas and has more than 260,000 members in 5,200 chapters across the country and around the world. The Grow Award recognizes an organization or individual that expands the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP)/Be The Match presence within the community. Award winners were recognized during NMDP’s The ONE Forum, which brings together over 2,200 professionals from over 49 counties who represent the global cell therapy community.

HOSA selected Be The Match at the start of the 2020-2021 school year as its designated philanthropy partner and the relationship will continue through the 2021-2022 school year. Despite the hurdles presented by the pandemic, the students of HOSA rose to the challenge and created new ways to fundraise and recruit donors without the benefit of in-person events.

During the pandemic, more than 330 chapters with approximately 2,000 HOSA members participated in fundraising and recruitment drives, raising $117,000 for Be The Match – the most any student organization has ever raised for the organization. Students engaged their networks of friends and family via social media with creative awareness campaigns and appeals. The funds raised will ensure Be The Match can continue adding new members to the registry, continue groundbreaking research to make transplant safer and more accessible, and ensuring the many patients in need of financial support would have access to Be The Match’s patient assistance grants.

“We commend these amazing student leaders for their creativity, determination and commitment – never giving up despite the roadblocks presented by distance learning. No matter the obstacles, they found ways to make an impact and support our lifesaving mission,” said Amy Ronneberg, NMDP’s chief executive officer. “The creation of an Under 18 Pre-Registry gives our organization the opportunity to educate and engage future donors at an earlier age. Their fundraising has a direct impact on our patients. Their enthusiasm is a beacon of hope and possibility.”

HOSA – Future Health Professionals, advocated for the creation of an Under 18 Pre-Registry for individuals who aren’t yet eligible to join the existing Be The Match Registry. Students can now add their names to the national database and be contacted to register with a cheek swab when they turn 18. The Pre-Registry gives HOSA students the chance to actively educate their peers about the ability to potentially save a life and have a strong call to action to ensure students can remain engaged with the Be The Match mission.  HOSA’s support for the Be The Match mission offers hope for patients searching for a matching donor.