It's hard to tell 17-year old P.V High School student, Tyler Welty, was fighting for his life 11 years ago.He was given two years to live unless he received a bone marrow transplant.
The family searched for a donor for months.
It was a search that spanned across the globe.
"They search more than a couple of countries then they found him and he was the match," says Tyler Welty.
The man that would give Tyler the gift of life is Merle Kaplan from Maryland.
Kaplan would go on to donate his bone marrow to Tyler back then a painful procedure.
Although Tyler and Kaplan would stay in touch it wasn't until 11 years later, just last month, the two finally met.
"Feels like I've known him a long time and got to know lot more about him," says Tyler.
The Welty family now urges everyone who can give a little their time to give someone else a lifetime of health.
"The Pump It Up Blood & Marrow" drive takes place this Friday from 6am to 6pm at 555 Rio Lindo Avenue in Chico and 1880 Park Marina Drive in Redding.
There are locations in Yuba City and Merced.
Call 866-822-5663 for more information.
