Video: Young man returns gift of life

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KENMORE, Wash. - Eight years ago, Randy Noland lay in a Seattle hospital, his body ravaged by AML, a cancer of the blood.

Today he's a healthy, proud father of two, thanks to Harry Herman of Philadelphia, the once anonymous stem cell donor who saved his life.

"We get together every year now, we refer to each other as blood brothers," said Randy.

At diagnosis, Randy had just a 15 percent chance of living five years.

"That was my whole objective when I was diagnosed. I wanted to see my kids grow, my dad died when I was 15 and I just thought I want to see my kids grow," he said.

Randy's son, daughter, just about every family member had been tested as a possible donor but none matched.

But thanks to his "blood brother," he's not only getting to watch his kids grow, but he'll hold his son Patrick's hand as he potentially saves another life.

"I kind of believe in paying it forward. If someone like Harry did something so nice for my dad, my dad is important to me, I feel like if I can help somebody in a similar plight it is my responsibility," said Patrick Noland.

Next week, Patrick will fulfill that responsibility, donating stem cells for a 38-year-old woman suffering with the same disease his father had.

He'll endure five days of shots. The drugs will separate stem cells from his marrow, making them easier to retrieve.

"I'm very proud, very, very proud, that he would do this it is a very important thing for him to do," said Randy.

Patrick's mom Sally beams with pride too, but like any mother, she worries.

"I want to keep him in a little bubble pack him in cotton and popcorn wrap so he stays very, very, very safe," she said.

"I told him it was an item he could take off his "bucket list," save a life."

His mom's own handwritten bucket list includes watching Patrick or his sister donate.

"So that one we scratched off, it is pretty amazing," she said.

If you'd like to join the bone marrow registry and potentially save a life call the Puget Sound Blood Center at 206-292-6500.