Israeli Soldier Saves Toddler’s Life with Bone Marrow Donation During Active Duty

Amid the intensity of combat, a heartwarming story of selflessness and courage has emerged from the front lines. Matan Amir, a 21-year-old Israeli soldier serving in the Givati Brigade, took a pause from his military duties in Gaza to donate bone marrow, giving a three-year-old boy in Jerusalem a renewed chance at life.

The young child, battling a severe form of blood cancer, desperately needed a bone marrow transplant to survive. Amir, who had registered with Hadassah’s bone marrow registry on his first day in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), turned out to be a perfect match. Despite the demands of military service, Amir didn’t hesitate when the call came.

“I didn’t have too much to think about,” Amir recalled. “In the end, it’s saving a person’s life, and in my case, the life of a small child. In moments like this, there is no thinking at all.”

The process of coordinating the donation was complex. Given Amir’s limited cell phone access in the combat zone, Hadassah’s bone marrow transplant coordinator, Tsila Bargil Ben-Hanan, had to navigate logistical challenges to reach him. Once contacted, Amir immediately agreed, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to both his military and humanitarian duties.

Amir quickly found himself back in Jerusalem, meeting with Prof. Reuven Or, director of Hadassah’s bone marrow pool. Prof. Or explained the two donation methods: apheresis, a less invasive technique involving stem cells harvested from the bloodstream, and a procedure that extracts bone marrow cells from the pelvic bone, which was more suitable for the young boy’s condition. Without hesitation, Amir opted for the latter, understanding that this was the best option for the toddler’s recovery.

“The process hurt a bit,” Amir admitted, “but it was worth every moment to help a child. Any temporary pain for me meant saving a life, and that’s all that mattered.”

Prof. Or praised Amir’s decision, calling it an act of true heroism. “Donating bone marrow is highly valued, and every donor is a hero. They contribute to saving lives not just in Hadassah but also through their service in the army.”

After the procedure, Amir took a brief break from his military duties to recover. He abstained from physical activity for a week, allowing his body to heal before returning to his unit.

The young soldier may not yet know the boy he helped, but the possibility of meeting in the future remains. Bone marrow donation policies maintain confidentiality for one year. After this period, should both parties wish, they can meet face-to-face.

Amir is hopeful for that day. “If he wants, I would be honored,” he said. “For me, it wasn’t much it’s all worth it if he gets to live.”

This extraordinary act of generosity amidst the chaos of war underscores the profound humanity that persists even in the most trying circumstances. Matan Amir’s story is a powerful reminder of the life-saving impact that individuals can have, no matter their role or the challenges they face.

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