Gift of Life Marrow Registry looking for 18–35-year-olds to join registry.
(1888PressRelease) June 17, 2026 - At just 35 years old, Keith Shelton, a devoted husband, father of three, and 2021 Medal of Valor recipient, is facing the challenge of his life as he battles Myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer. Shelton, who resides in Kentucky, received his diagnosis in May, after experiencing symptoms including extreme fatigue, severe anemia and enlarged spleen. His doctors have determined that a stem cell transplant offers him the best chance for long-term survival and recovery.
Since Shelton is unable to find a match in the worldwide registry, we are asking for more volunteer donors to join and increase the likelihood of him finding a match. Shelton’s need to find a donor is urgent, and we invite the entire community to step up and be tested as a potential match for him, or another patient in need. Those interested in making a difference are encouraged to learn more about stem cell donation and sign up to help him and other patients in dire need.
Shelton, a retired officer of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and his wife, Caroline, have three children: Rylan (16), Ben (14) and Elena (7). Family time is very important to them, whether it’s spending time in the gym together or cooking meals for loved ones.
“Our goal is to help Keith find that one special person who can save his life, and help his family stay together,” said Gift of Life Donor Recruitment Director Chris Camacho. “Each of us has the power to cure blood cancer, but we need people to join the registry in order to find matches between potential donors and recipients.”
To join the Gift of Life registry, donors simply swab the inside of their cheeks and complete a registration questionnaire. Those interested in signing up may request a swab kit to be delivered at home by visiting www.giftoflife.org/keith.
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.
Gift of Life Marrow Registry looking for 18–35-year-olds to join registry. 
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