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Giving The Gift Of Life:New Jersey Father Meets The Young Man He Saved At Twins And Cubs Game
Stem cells are immature cells that can develop into red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The transplant would require matching certain tissue traits of the donor and Matthew. Because the characteristics that determine whether a donor and patient match are inherited, the best chance of finding a matched donor is from a sibling. However, Matthew did not have a compatible family match. A search of the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry identified a donor. Matthew received his transplant last July. Today, thanks to a special bond with a complete stranger halfway across the country, Matthew is living a healthy life.
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Two years ago, Matthew Paul received the devastating news that he had leukemia. To survive, Matthew would need a transplant of healthy stem cells from another individual.
"As a father of two, the vision of Matt's parents helplessly watching their son suffer through his disease paralyzed me. I was glad I was able to relieve some of their suffering," said Robert Miller, Matthew's donor. "It was a privilege to have the opportunity to help save life. Through the miracle of science and the help of God, I was given the unique opportunity to save a life. I was humbled at the thought that I may be the only person in the world who could save Matt's life. Donating marrow is the most important thing I have ever done," Robert said.
Robert had the opportunity to meet Matthew for the first time last week at the Minnesota Twins 2nd Annual Marrow Awareness Night "Pitch for Life." Denny Lorentz, a Minneapolis father whose son received his transplant through the NMDP, emceed Robert and Matthew's meeting. The 2nd Annual Marrow Awareness Night "Pitch for Life" is a collaborative effort to raise awareness for marrow and stem cell donation. Marrow Awareness Night is a partnership between the 
