ARCATA, Calif. – The Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) partnered with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) from February 10-13, leading a campus-wide initiative that resulted in 432 new individuals joining the NMDP Registry — the highest total of any donor drive in the country during that time period.
The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) helps find cures for patients with blood cancers and disorders. With the help of blood stem cell donors and the world's most diverse registry, along with an extensive network of transplant partners, physicians and caregivers, NMDP expands access to treatment so that every patient can receive their life-saving cell therapy.
During the four-day effort, Cal Poly Humboldt student-athletes and campus partners educated fellow students and community members about bone marrow and blood stem cell donation. Volunteers explained the donation process, answered questions and assisted participants in completing a simple cheek swab to join the registry.
When NMDP partnered with Humboldt SAAC, the Women's Volleyball program, Delta Phi Epsilon and Humboldt Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc., the groups worked collectively toward one mission — helping save lives through bone marrow and blood stem cell donor registration and education.
In addition to the 432 registrations added, the drive featured representation from eight different Lumberjack athletic programs and accounted for 78 volunteer hours logged.
"This incredible achievement would not have been possible without the support and leadership of our SAAC student-athletes and the hard work of their advisor, Tusalava Kuaea," said an NMDP representative. "Their commitment to serving others and making a life-saving impact speaks volumes about the culture within Humboldt Athletics. Not only did they help us reach a remarkable national milestone, but they also raised meaningful awareness about stem cell and bone marrow donation across campus and in our community. Though these players represent their individual teams, they worked together toward a single mission."
The 432 new registrations marked the highest total recorded by any NMDP drive across the country during that stretch, underscoring the impact of Humboldt's student-athletes and campus partners.
SAAC co-advisor and Women's Volleyball assistant coach Tusalava Kuaea praised the collaborative effort.
"I'm so proud of SAAC, the Women's Volleyball program, Delta Phi Epsilon and Humboldt Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity," said Kuaea. "The way everyone came together, built real camaraderie with other student clubs and showed that they are more than just their sport was incredible to watch. Everyone's efforts helped make this one of the highest donor registration drives in the country during that time period, which is an amazing accomplishment, especially in just two days. This is what it's all about — being bigger than their sport, using their platform to give back and showing up for something that truly matters."
Through their leadership, collaboration and service, Humboldt student-athletes once again demonstrated that their impact extends far beyond competition — helping expand access to life-saving treatments for patients in need.
For more information about NMDP or to join the registry, visit bethematch.org.
