Only in high school when he was first diagnosed with leukemia, Ricky never let his illness define him. He preferred being known for the fact that he was a star basketball player. In fact, after treatment and in remission from the disease, he was back in the game he loved.

When a young blood recipient has that kind of positive outcome, it can seem like a happy ending, but sometimes life’s stories take disappointing turns, even as they move forward. For Ricky, this meant a relapse that called for a bone marrow transplant.

“I’m fortunate to have three brothers that are all matches,” explains Ricky, who at 22, is now in remission again.

There’s even more to Ricky’s story
While he was in the hospital undergoing his bone marrow transplant (and multiple blood transfusions), Ricky met the love of his life, Alexis. She was also undergoing treatment, including blood transfusions -- for neuroblastoma, a type of nerve cancer. Today Alexis is also in remission, and the two have married.

“I don’t know what the future will bring for us,” says Ricky, “so we’re going on as many adventures as possible.” The couple rests up for about a week between each journey, and then they’re back out again, Ricky pushing his wife in her wheelchair everywhere they go.

When you donate blood to the Red Cross you become part of a lifesaving story – helping to make sure cancer patients receive the lifesaving blood they need to recover simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information.