Nick Stone is more than just a diver. In fact, he’s also a donor. Stone, a senior at the University of Tennessee, joined the Gift of Life Marrow Registry in 2022 while volunteering at a registration drive. He was unaware then that his simple cheek swab would result in him being called on to aid his fellow man with an unforgettable gift. Even more surprising was that when he was summoned, it wouldn’t be for his uncle diagnosed in January, but rather a stranger months later.
Cancer hits home:
Stone’s uncle was diagnosed in January 2025 with acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), fast-growing blood cancer of the bone marrow, where immature white blood cells (myeloblasts) grow uncontrollably and crowd out healthy blood cells. Stone immediately thought about his time as a volunteer and encouraged family members, traditionally the most likely matches, to join the registry as well. Sadly, Stone was not able to help his uncle. Further inspired, he joined Gift of Life as part of their Campus Ambassador Program in May. “I felt like it was a great way to support my uncle and support the organization,” Stone said.
Loss, care, hope:
Loss, care, hope: Stone’s uncle lost his battle with AML on June 15. In the midst of mourning, Stone continued his ambassador training, completing his final session on June 24. The very next day he received a phone call that would change more than just his life. “I was honestly speechless. I didn’t say anything back to [registry worker],” Stone says. The worker was calling to inform him that he was a match for a 55-year-old man battling blood cancer. “The timing of how everything happened was really unique.”
Not all blood cancer patients require the same treatment. Stone was called upon to donate stem cells and blood platelets. Unlike a marrow transplant designed to replace damaged cells, a platelet transfusion acts to assist the recipient by helping to control bleeding as chemotherapy and radiation greatly inhibit bone marrow’s ability to produce platelets which puts the patient at risk for excessive bleeding.
More than diving:
Stone consulted with those close to him as he considered how the procedure could affect his academic year and senior diving season. He spoke with new Tennessee diving coach Jane Figueiredo before committing to the procedure about his concerns. He found her to be overwhelmingly supportive and encouraging. Upon learning he would not need to do a full marrow donation, the decision became much easier. “It dawned on me that I’m not giving bone marrow. It’s not a full surgery and I’ve given blood in the past,” he said.
The straightforward procedure was yet another reason why Stone encourages everyone to join the registry. “Saving someone in this type of way is much easier than probably any other procedure that can save someone.”
His former coach at Tennessee, Dave Parrington, expressed that he was not surprised to see Stone make such a selfless sacrifice. “He’s such a giving person and cares about people and is always there for his teammates and friends and family. I am just so proud of the young man,” Parrington told the Hamilton County Hearld.
Procedure with purpose:
Stone received two injections per day for five days before flying to Washington D.C. to complete the donation process. On Sept. 2, less than three months after losing his uncle to AML, Stone was able to provide a true gift of life to a stranger, one who he has still yet to meet. “I don’t know where he is in his journey, so it could be a couple months from now. It could be a couple years from now,” Stone says. “But I am looking forward to hopefully even just having a phone call with him.”
Preparing to return home, the weight and emotion of the experience settled in. “It all kind of hit me. What I did really impacted way more people than I thought it would have or should have,” he said. “It didn’t just impact my recipient, but it impacted his family and friends and my family and friends.”
Back on the boards:
With minimal physical setback from the procedure and a favorable timeline early in the season, Stone has been back in the water preparing for another run at SECs and NCAAs. Not only has he already secured his NCAA Zone qualifying score on all three boards, but he’s picked up some new fans along the way as nurses who helped him prepare for the transfusion told him they would make their way over to Allen Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center to watch him dive.
Now months removed from the procedure, Stone reflected on the experience, saying, “I am filled with gratitude for everyone who supported me through this journey, and to all the amazing nurses who took such great care of me.”
How can readers get involved with the cause or join the registry?
You can learn more about the Gift of Life Marrow Registry at GiftOfLife.org. In addition to drive events around the country you can also register online and secure an at-home swab kit GiftOfLife.org/swab.