(INDIANAPOLIS, IN) In 2004, Alpha Epsilon Pi International Fraternity (AEPi), the world’s largest and leading Jewish college fraternity, launched a partnership with Gift of Life Marrow Registry to raise awareness among college students about the life-saving potential of bone marrow transplants. The program has now resulted in more than 18,000 swabs, 750 matches and nearly 90 transplants.
“Chai times 1,000 swabs is a milestone that AEPi is very proud of,” said Rob Derdiger, AEPi’s Chief Executive Officer. “The value of Tikkun Olam – healing the world – is at the forefront of AEPi’s mission to develop the future leaders of the Jewish community. In these difficult times for Jews on campus, redoubling our efforts to make the world a better place is even more critical.”
“We are thrilled to share the meaningful milestone of 18,000 donors who have joined the registry at drives held by AEPi,” said Jay Feinberg, Chief Executive Officer of Gift of Life and AEPi Brother. “Our two organizations have been partners since 2004, and this year marks two decades of working together on the incredible mitzvot of saving lives. We are very thankful for every Brother who has stepped up to help educate others and run donor recruitment drives to give patients the hope of a second chance at life. Gift of Life is excited to embark on our next decade of partnership with AEPi.”
Over the years, AEPi undergraduates have promoted Gift of Life with on-campus events, meeting with fellow students to discuss bone marrow transplants and the need to get swabbed and asking fellow students to get swabbed and enter the bone marrow donation database. Of the more than 18,000 students who have entered the database as a result of AEPi Brothers’ efforts, at least 753 have matched with those who are serious ill and in need. Of those matches, 89 lives have been saved as a result of AEPi’s swabbing and awareness programs.
“In the Talmud, it is said that ‘Whoever saves a single life is considered to have saved the whole world.’ We are exceptionally proud of our undergraduate members who have taken on this challenge and had the opportunity to save hundreds of lives. This is leadership in action,” said Derdiger.
