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Jordan Grell

@jordangrell

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My freshman year at UMD I did a cheek swab for a program called NMDP, not realizing at the time what I was signing up for; until I got a call this July from an NMDP representative telling me that I was a potential match for a 65 year old Leukemia patient. If I agreed, I would go through a process involving blood draws, shots, and on donation day, 4-6 hours of sitting in a chair with IV’s filtering my blood. The STEM cells from my blood would be given to the patient in need, potentially saving their life. Seeing as I’m terrified of needles AND blood, my immediate thought was “absolutely not”. After some thinking, I came to the conclusion that I couldn’t let my fears get in the way of potentially saving someones life. I agreed, still thinking that it’s likely they wouldn’t even need me.

I was wrong, about a month later I received another call. They need me. I would be flown out to Seattle, WA on October 1st to donate my STEM cells. I had lots of time to think about the whole process. I was an emotional roller coaster for about a month. I would let my fears get to me and tie my stomach in knots just thinking about it. But then I would get excited for such an incredible opportunity. It was truly a taxing month.

The one constant was God. I re-learned how to pray and gave my stress to Him. I realized that I’d gotten comfortable in my life. I was happy and everything was going well, leaving my faith forgotten. But this experience was difficult mentally, physically, and emotionally. I knew it wasn’t something I could do on my own and I knew that it was God challenging me. He was pushing me out of my comfort zone and testing my faith. Don’t get me wrong, it was still tough. But knowing that He had a bigger plan for me and that He gave me an opportunity to literally save a life made it all so so so worth while.

I appreciate everyone that supported me with hugs, texts, and especially prayers. It didn’t go unnoticed. And thank you to everyone at @nmdp_org for making this experience exciting and being so welcoming. I also encourage you all to join the registry, it’s seriously an incredible experience and God’s got big plans for you too! by @jordangrell

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a year ago

Hydrate or diedrate taken in Yosemite National Park by @jordangrell

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3 days ago

In-N-Out of San Francisco by @jordangrell

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9 days ago

New tradition loading… taken in Bean & Bear Lake by @jordangrell

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2 months ago

Convinced that I belong in a hat and boots… taken in Downtown by @jordangrell

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2 months ago

So far so good by @jordangrell

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2 months ago

Chi-town🍕🌃🫘 taken in Chicago by @jordangrell

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4 months ago

From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee taken in Great Smoky Mountains by @jordangrell

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4 months ago

New continent unlocked 🔓 taken in All Over Italy by @jordangrell

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5 months ago

🛶 taken in Venice, Italy by @jordangrell

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5 months ago

When in Roma… by @jordangrell

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5 months ago

Greatest 4 years of my life. I’d endure the homework all over again if it meant I got to spend more time with these people. So much love for UMD… roll dogs🐶 by @jordangrell

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5 months ago