UW’s First NMDP Match: Alana Geylani’s Life-Saving Gift
For the past six years, The Whole U has partnered with NMDP (formerly Be The Match) and UW Athletics to host Get in the Game, an annual event encouraging Huskies to join the registry of potential bone marrow and blood stem cell donors. More than 2,000 UW students, staff and faculty have stepped forward over the years, swabbing their cheeks in Red Square and signing up with the hope of one day being called to save a life.
Alexes Harris and Ed Taylor attend Get in the Game.
This year, that hope became reality. UW has its first confirmed match: sophomore Alana Geylani, who is donating her blood stem cells to help a patient in need.
A pre-sciences UW student with growing interest in the field of public health, the match couldn’t be more perfect.
Inspiration & First Steps
Alana’s journey began in a class discussion during her freshman year. In her sociology course, Professor Alexes Harris shared her own story of how a bone marrow donation saved her life and gave her the chance to watch her daughter graduate.
“I tell my students every year that signing up for the registry is one of the simplest, yet most powerful, acts you can do for another person,” said Harris.
“To see Alana take that message to heart and now step forward as UW’s first match—it’s truly inspiring.”
In that same classroom, Harris also asked students to think critically about health disparities in cancer treatment, especially for people of color. She posed the question: Why are so many underrepresented populations missing from the registry, and what does that mean for patients seeking a match?
Hear more from Alexes Harris in a local King 5 segment:
Getting the Call
For Alana, who was already thinking about her own mother thousands of miles away, the discussion struck a personal chord. She left class determined to take action, and not long after, she signed up on Red Square.
At the end of July, Alana’s phone rang with unexpected news. She was a near-perfect match for a patient. “At first, I thought it was spam,” Alana admitted with a laugh. “But once I heard the voicemail, I called back right away. I was nervous and speechless, but the moment I learned that I could save someone’s life, I knew I had to do it.” Her decision to say yes came naturally. With a growing passion for public health, Alana saw this as an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference.
Alana was especially moved by just how close of a match she was. “Knowing my genetic match was nearly identical made the experience feel deeply personal—almost like it was meant to be. Something in me kept saying this was exactly what I needed to do.”
Although privacy rules mean she cannot share details about her recipient’s identity, Alana emphasizes that this person, and their story, remains at the heart of her journey.
Alana during her donation appointment.
Donation Process
Since then, Alana has been busy with clinic visits, phone calls and learning the step-by-step process of donating blood stem cells. She was surprised to learn about the care and logistics involved, from volunteer couriers hand-carrying donations to the strong support system NMDP provides to donors and families.
“They’ve helped with everything—explaining each detail, supporting me emotionally, even helping my cousin travel to be by my side,” Alana shared.
Personal Reflection
For Alana, this experience has only deepened her interest in public health and her appreciation for the power of human connection.
“Knowing that a part of me could make such a big difference in someone’s life fills me with gratitude and pride,” she said. “Something in my mind just told me this was what I was meant to do.”
A Message to Others
Alana hopes her story will inspire others at UW to join the registry.
“Whoever’s out there debating on whether or not to sign up—just think about how impactful this small decision can be,” she said. “It’s a chance to give hope and maybe even a second chance at life.”
A Wellness Perspective
“This moment is such a powerful reminder that wellness is not just about physical health, but about connection, purpose, and giving of ourselves,” said Lauren Updyke, Executive Director of Employee Experience and UWHR Chief of Wellness.
“Alana’s generosity shows us that each of us has the ability to make a life-changing impact, and it inspires our whole UW community to consider how we can show up for one another.”
UW Athletics and Community Support
From the beginning of this partnership, UW Athletics has played a central role in championing the cause. The mission has been especially inspiring to the UW Women’s Soccer team, who shows up in large numbers each year to the Get in the Game event.
“Alana’s courage and selflessness reflect the very best of our Husky family,” said Head Women’s Soccer Coach Nicole Van Dyke.
“For all of us in UW Athletics, being part of this journey with NMDP and The Whole U fills us with such joy and gratitude. Moments like this remind us what service and community truly mean. We are forever thankful to Alana and to Dr. Harris, whose powerful story continues to inspire our community, and we hope Alana’s example encourages more Huskies to join the registry for a chance to save a life.”
Nicole Van Dyke and the UW Soccer coaching team at the Get in the Game event.
As UW celebrates its first confirmed match through Get in the Game, the impact of this partnership is clear: every swab is a chance to save a life. And now, thanks to Alana, one patient’s story continues.
You Can Join Too
Our UW NMDP student organization will be co-hosting an event in Red Square on October 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Stop by the event and follow along with UW NMDP on Instagram.
UW student athletes and volunteers spread the word.
Get Involved Today
To register, visit join.nmdp.org/UW
or Text UWSAVES to 61474
Special thanks to TIAA for Sponsoring The Whole U and Get in the Game.