ICYMI – From Undergratuate to Hero: Solano Student’s Life-Saving Bone Marrow Match Begins with One Swab

At the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), we believe stem cells have the potential to change lives. Jose Solorio, a Solano Community College student and participant in CIRM's COMPASS training program, has firsthand experience in witnessing the power of stem cells as a donor.

As part of CIRM's COMPASS program, which combines hands-on research opportunities in 16 active programs across the state with structured mentorships, Jose is gaining experience in regenerative medicine. This program prepares diverse students like Jose for careers in the field, offering valuable insights and new perspectives.

Jose, who is pursuing a bachelor's degree in biomanufacturing at Solano Community College, recently discovered he was a donor match while interning at Stanford's Laboratory for Cell and Gene Medicine. His donation required a trip to New York, where bone marrow stem cells were extracted from his hip to help treat the young patient.

"I've always wanted to help others," Jose shared. "My mother, who has faced many health challenges, has inspired me to pursue a career where I can give back. This donation is just the beginning."

Jose's altruism is supported by the broader efforts of Solano Community College. The college's partnership with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) has led to campus recruitment drives, focusing on increasing diversity in the registry, a crucial factor for successful matches.

In addition to his charitable acts, Jose's academic journey is one of perseverance and ambition. Growing up in a family that emigrated from Mexico, Jose is driven to achieve his educational goals and create a better future for his family and those affected by untreatable diseases.

Jose aims to pursue a master's degree in biomedical engineering, focusing on advancing treatments using stem cells and CAR-T cell therapy.

We connected with Jose and asked him about his experience with the COMPASS training program and donating bone marrow. See his answers below:

CIRM: How did you become interested in regenerative medicine and in joining the CIRM COMPASS program?

Jose: Ever since I was a kid, I've always had an interest in medicine, mainly due to having a lot of family members (cousins) in the field of STEM. My goal before going to college was to pursue a career in biology with the hopes of getting into medicine school. However, throughout the process a professor introduced me into biotechnology. As I learned more about this field, especially the trending technologies in regenerative medicine and felt inspired by what I was learning. Ultimately, the CIRM COMPASS scholarship opportunity came up as I entered my junior year at Solano Community College and thought this would be a great opportunity to immerse myself in the field of Cell and Gene Therapy.

CIRM: How has your experience in the CIRM COMPASS program influenced your interest in regenerative medicine and your career goals?

Jose: My experience so far in the CIRM COMPASS program has been incredibly inspiring. Being a CIRM COMPASS scholar has opened a world of opportunities for me, from meeting like-minded people to networking with professionals and mentors in the field of regenerative medicine. Through this program, I've gained an understanding of the new research and innovations that are shaping the future of medicine. Whether it be learning about new treatments, therapies, or techniques, I am inspired by these advancements to change lives. The knowledge I've gained gives me hope that one day will be able to cure diseases that were once thought to be incurable.

CIRM: Can you share more about your internship at the Stanford Laboratory for Cell and Gene Medicine?

Jose: At first, when I arrived at the facility, I felt super nervous since it's a new environment and far from home, but quickly, I formed relationships with my mentor, trainer, and other employees there. At Stanford, for the first time I got to experience how it feels to work in a research lab and the type of environment. By the end of my internship, not only was I able to receive a lot of hands-on training, learn new skills/equipment but also gained new friends and relationships. It felt like some sort of brotherhood in the lab and it was something that I truly enjoyed.

CIRM: You recently donated bone marrow to Be the Match, the National Marrow Donor Program. Can you share with us how you got involved with the organization and what motivated you to donate?

Jose: During one of my biology courses in Spring of 2023, NMDP (formerly known as Be The Match) came to our school campus and did a Be The Match drive. My professor at the time encouraged the class to register and I was one of those students to register that day. My motivation for registering was because I wanted to help people, to give people a second chance at life. I don't think it's fair for someone's life to be cut short due to an inevitable disease. So if I could help and prevent that from happening then I will.

CIRM: How did you feel when you matched with a patient? Can you share with us your experience going to New York and New Jersey?

Jose: I felt proud and honored. To be able to potentially cure someone from a deadly disease is something that I'm proud of. Yes, I did feel some nervousness on the days leading up to the procedure, but I always reassured myself that you're saving a life for someone who didn't get to experience life at all.

On the day of the procedure, the entire staff was super friendly and accommodating. The nurses were always there if I needed something, would help me move around, and instructed me throughout the whole process. The following day consisted of resting, my mother who came with me to New Jersey helped me take care of my incision points as well as moving around since I had restricted movement. Overall, the trip was successful, everything went as planned and arrived home safely.

CIRM: How would you explain the power of stem cells to the general public or to a young relative?

Jose: The simplest way I've always explained stem cells is that they are like our body's building blocks. They can turn into many different types of cells, like muscle cells, brain cells, or blood cells. The ability to turn into different cells makes them super important for healing injuries, growing new tissues, and even treating diseases.