When current Indian Hills Assistant Athletic Trainer Alex Hale learned about the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) several years ago, he felt a calling to help save lives.

"For me, that's what this was all about," stated Hale. "It was an opportunity to potentially save someone's life, so how could I say no to that?"

Several months ago, Hale, who has served the Indian Hills Community College Athletic Department and its student-athlete population on the Centerville campus as an Assistant Athletic Trainer for more than three years now, was deemed a non-familial match for an individual with cancer to donate stem cells.

Hale, who was named the Indian Hills Athletic Staff Member of the Year for the 2024-25 academic year, registered for the NMDP, formerly known as Be The Change during his college years at Central College in Pella, IA. Upon registering for the opportunity to help save a life through stem cell donation, it was determined that there was roughly a one-in-a-million chance to be matched with an individual.

Fast forward several years, and Hale's passion for serving others was presented with a life-changing opportunity. A relatively easy but thorough process led Hale to a donor match. Hale recently underwent a Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) donation where stem cells were collected through a process known as Apheresis.

"We've all had someone close to us that has had some form of cancer, and we would all love for that person to have as many opportunities for a better life, or a longer life as possible," added Hale. "Joining the registry can help someone with that."

Hale's life-changing experience has motivated him to encourage others to consider joining the NMDP registry. To become a potential donor, the process to join the registry takes as little as 10 minutes.

"Alex has a heart of gold," stated Indian Hills Head Athletic Trainer Kristin Mayson. "He is always willing to help in whatever ways he is needed, so it doesn't surprise me at all that he would be willing to donate his stem cells to a stranger. We are so grateful to have Alex here at Indian Hills."

To consider donating to the NMDP and making a difference today, visit: NATIONAL MARROW DONOR PROGRAM REGISTRY

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