Blood Cancer Survivor Meets His Stem Cell Donor At New York Mets Game
Emotional Encounter Took Place at Citi Field in Support of Gift of Life Marrow Registry’s Mission.
- (1888PressRelease) July 08, 2025 - In a moment filled with emotion and gratitude, a New York Mets game at Citi Field became the backdrop for an unforgettable encounter between Gary Engler, a blood cancer survivor, and Jonathan Owen, the 24-year-old stem cell donor who saved his life. The event was hosted on June 26, 2025 by the New York Mets and the Amazin' Mets Foundation in support of Gift of Life Marrow Registry. The two organizations have worked together since 2004 to advance the mission of curing blood cancer through stem cell and marrow donations.
Engler, a 66-year-old accountant from Los Angeles, Calif., was diagnosed with myelofibrosis, a rare, but serious bone marrow disorder, after routine bloodwork revealed abnormal results. His doctors determined that a transplant was the only viable treatment option to save his life. He was relieved when a donor match came up in the Gift of Life registry.
Owen, a resident of West Hempstead, N.Y., joined the registry in 2018 while attending Yeshiva High School. He had no idea how significant that decision would become until years later, when he got the call that he was a match for a patient in need.
“At the time [I registered], I honestly didn’t think much of it,” said Owen. “Looking back, realizing the potential to save a life, and that all it took was swabbing my cheek, it felt like one of the biggest low-risk, high-reward situations I could ever encounter.”
After the required one-year waiting period mandated by medical anonymity laws, the much-anticipated introduction between Engler and Owen was a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of stem cell transplants.
“I basically found the experience to be similar to a long blood donation in terms of the effort required on my end,” said Owen. “Gift of Life provided the infrastructure, the support, and the guidance every step of the way, making it possible for me to help save someone else's life. This is something I truly don’t take for granted.”
“Everybody should get swabbed, and if you get the call one day to volunteer, don’t worry, it’s not dangerous,” said Engler. “Donating your stem cells is a relatively painless procedure, and it can save a life. I’m living proof of that.”
To join the Gift of Life registry, individuals simply swab the inside of their cheeks and complete a registration questionnaire. Those aged 18 to 35 years old who are in good health (the ideal demographic for successful transplants) are especially urged to sign up by visiting giftoflife.org/swab.
About Gift of Life Marrow Registry
Gift of Life Marrow Registry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Boca Raton, Fla. The organization, established in 1991, is dedicated to saving lives by facilitating blood stem cell and bone marrow transplants for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood-related diseases. The registry houses its own state-of-the-art stem cell collection center, biobank, and laboratory. To learn more about Gift of Life Marrow Registry, visit www.giftoflife.org.
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