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Jack Palms is a fun-loving, adventurous five-year-old from East Greenwich, Rhode Island.
He is being treated for severe bone marrow failure, and has been diagnosed with a rare disorder called Acquired Amegakaryocytic Thrombocytopenia (AAMT), with concern for the condition evolving into Aplastic Anemia.
A blood stem cell or marrow transplant may become necessary if Jack’s marrow does not recover. Finding potential donors now helps prepare for every possibility.
The compatibility factors required to find matches between donors and recipients follow ancestry. Jack’s ancestry is primarily European and includes Belgian, Irish, Scottish, Dutch, German, Italian and Polish heritage.
Please get tested by ordering your cheek swab kit today to learn if you are a match for Jack or another patient in need.
Jack is the kind of kid who makes the most of every day. Whether he’s building an elaborate LEGO creation, searching the trees for a new bird to identify, practicing karate, playing his guitar, or heading outside for his next adventure, he brings enthusiasm and wonder to everything he does. He loves spending time with his family and friends, and his joyful spirit, infectious smile, and boundless curiosity have a way of lighting up every room he enters.
One of Jack’s favorite companions is his dog, Violet, who is never far from his side.
Just one day before his fifth birthday, everything changed. What should have been a week filled with birthday celebrations quickly became the beginning of a life-changing medical journey for Jack and his family.
On April 23, 2026, Jack suffered a life-threatening brain bleed and stroke caused by dangerously low platelet counts. Five days later, he suffered an additional even larger brain bleed. In the weeks and months that followed, he faced challenges no child should ever have to endure. Through every setback, Jack has continued to show remarkable courage, determination, and resilience.
Today, Jack is being treated for severe bone marrow failure, including Acquired Amegakaryocytic Thrombocytopenia (AAMT), with concern for evolving aplastic anemia.
His medical team continues to search for answers through advanced testing while providing ongoing treatment, including regular platelet transfusions and immunosuppressive therapy. While doctors remain hopeful that Jack’s bone marrow will recover, a marrow or stem cell transplant may become necessary if his condition does not improve.
Jack lives with his parents, David Palms and Traci Kuiphoff, and their beloved dog, Violet. David is the Chief Merchandising Officer at FTD, and Traci is the Chief Marketing Officer for Brook & York and Mill Rock East. Together, they are partnering with Gift of Life to raise awareness about the urgent need for marrow donors and to help more patients find the life-saving matches they need.
When you swab your cheek to join Gift of Life, those swabs are tested for HLA results and stored in an international database so that patients around the world can find matching donors and be saved. Your personal data remains confidential; the only thing they see is your specific HLA makeup.
Every year, thousands of patients are diagnosed with life-threatening blood disorders and diseases that may require a stem cell or marrow transplant.
Only about 30% of patients who need a transplant are able to find a matching donor within their own family. The remaining 70% depend on complete strangers who have chosen to join the donor registry.
For many patients, that stranger becomes their second chance at life.
The process to join the registry is simple. It starts with a quick cheek swab and the willingness to help if you are ever identified as a potential match.
By joining the registry, you could be the person who gives someone hope when they need it most.
For Jack. For the thousands of patients searching today. For the families waiting for a miracle.
One swab. One match. One life changed forever.
Want to Help Support?
Here are the upcoming drives you can volunteer at:
July 17, 2026
Newport Gulls vs Keene Swamp Bats
Cardines Field
20 America's Cup Avenue, Newport, RI
July 23, 2026 to July 25, 2026
Blessing of the Fleet Celebration at Memorial Square
Narragansett, RI 02882
July 26, 2026
Audrey's Coffee House & Lounge
60 S County Commons Way, South Kingstown, RI - Located in The Village at South County Commons
8:30 AM to 1:30 PM