In February 2025, Donn Landholm, the head coach of the University of Houston’s football team, underwent a life-saving stem cell transplant following a diagnosis of chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia, a rare form of blood cancer. This treatment was made possible by the generosity of Morgan Chalup, a firefighter and EMT from Empire, Michigan, who matched as a donor through the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP).
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Landholm, aged 69, faced a daunting battle against his illness, which emerged in 2023. After a series of chemotherapy sessions in 2024, doctors advised a stem cell transplant as the next step for his recovery. Stressing the importance of the procedure, Landholm likened the situation to a pivotal moment in a football game, where making the right play is crucial for success.
For Chalup, 38, the journey to becoming a donor started in 2021 when her father-in-law was diagnosed with leukaemia and underwent a successful transplant. Inspired by this experience, she registered as a potential donor alongside her sister-in-law. Nearly four years later, she received a message from the NMDP informing her that she was a match for a patient in need.
At first, Chalup thought the notification was a scam, as so much time had passed since her registration. However, upon confirming her eligibility, she began preparations for the donation procedure. A week before the collection, she received injections to help mobilise her stem cells into the bloodstream. The donation process took place at Versiti in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and lasted around seven hours. Contrary to common fears, the procedure was relatively straightforward and involved drawing blood from one arm, filtering out the stem cells, and returning the remaining blood through the other arm.
On February 4, 2025, Landholm received Chalup’s stem cells during the transplant. Following the procedure, he spent 18 days in the hospital before being discharged to continue his recovery at home. This life-changing event created an extraordinary connection between the two, with Chalup’s cells now forming part of Landholm’s genetic makeup.
As he recuperated, Landholm noticed significant improvements in his health. “I’m doing very well. I feel better than I have probably in five years,” he noted, expressing gratitude for the second chance he had been given. Following NMDP guidelines, the two could not communicate directly for a year. During this time, Chalup learned about Landholm’s progress, which brought her immense joy and relief.
Once the waiting period was over, Landholm sent an anonymous message to Chalup, who responded enthusiastically. The two began exchanging correspondence, involving their families as well, with a meeting planned later on. This long-anticipated introduction took place in September 2026 at the University of Houston, where a coordinated effort by NMDP facilitated the visit.
Upon meeting, Landholm and Chalup shared an emotional embrace, marking a moment that neither of them would forget. “What do you say to someone that has saved your life?” Landholm pondered before their encounter. The families spent the rest of the weekend together, celebrating their bond and even participating in a halftime ceremony at a football game.
Chalup expressed a feeling of familiarity during their meeting, stating, “It felt like finally meeting family that you just haven’t met yet.” Their newfound connection has blossomed, with Chalup planning to take Landholm and his family on future adventures, such as a trip to Disney World. Her children view Landholm’s family as their own, highlighting the profound relationship that has developed.
Chalup hopes that by sharing her story, she can dispel misconceptions about stem cell donation. “It’s not the scary process that people think it is,” she said. “You truly can change someone’s life.” Meanwhile, Landholm looks forward to repaying Chalup’s kindness by encouraging others to join the donor registry, suggesting that the entire football team has signed up to potentially become donors.
For Chalup, the biggest reward has been watching Landholm thrive. “He pays me back every day by being who he is,” she added, underscoring the depth of their connection and the impact of her selfless act. The extraordinary journey of these two individuals reminds us all of the strength of humanity and the lifesaving potential of stem cell donation.