Be The Match Feature Story - Gary’s story begins in 2011 when his colleague and carpool companion Aggie was diagnosed with blood cancer. Her cancer was a result of the treatment she received for breast cancer and it was determined that she would need a marrow transplant to live. Aggie’s colleagues, friends and family all were tested to see if they were a marrow match, but unfortunately a match was not found and Aggie passed away in 2011.
After Gary found out he was not a match for Aggie, he was determined to help in other ways. From 2011 until now, Gary has walked in every single Be The One Run® event, now Be The Match® Walk+Run—snow, rain or shine—remotely from his home in Montana. “I have an internal drive to walk for people who have nothing left except hope,” said Gary. “I began walking for people like Aggie, who lost her battle. She was a remarkable and very brave person.”
Gary plans to continue walking for the Be The Match® mission, raising funds and providing hope for those in need of a marrow transplant. “I will always be a donator for causes that truly help other people,” said Gary. “It isn’t about the money or about the bone marrow that I am willing to give, it is about the hope and encouragement I could provide for others.”