A lacrosse player with the Philadelphia Wings team recently had the chance to meet the man whose life he saved through a bone marrow donation three years ago. Alex Pace, the player, was swabbed in college to be a donor and later received a call that he was a perfect match for Tom Mix, a patient diagnosed with blood cancer. The transplant was successful, and Mix is now in full remission. The two men first connected via Zoom and finally met in person at a Wings game in December. They have since become close, with Mix regularly attending Pace’s games and their families forming a bond. The Wings team has also partnered with the National Marrow Donor Program to raise awareness and sign up potential donors.
Bone marrow transplants are a lifesaving gift for patients facing various illnesses, including blood cancer, as bone marrow produces healthy blood cells. The story behind this life-saving donation began with a slice of pizza when Pace was offered a slice in exchange for getting swabbed as a potential donor. This chance encounter eventually led to him being a perfect match for Mix. Both men express their gratitude for the opportunity to spread awareness about the importance of bone marrow donations and continue to share their unique bond.
