Play Your Part is a fully supported initiative designed for colleges and universities. We work directly with athletic departments to host safe, voluntary stem cell registry drives that allow student athletes to make a lifesaving impact.
Student-Athletes represent leadership, resilience, and community influence, and your athletics programs are uniquely positioned to channel those qualities into meaningful service initiatives. Gift of Life’s Play Your Part Program enables your athletes to extend their impact beyond competition, demonstrating values that resonate across campus and within the broader community.
By participating in Gift of Life’s Play Your Part initiative, your athletic program will:
Our team manages the process from education to event coordination, making participation simple and meaningful for your campus.
Our organization handles the logistics so your department can focus on leadership and participation. From initial planning to post-event follow-up, Gift of Life provides comprehensive support to ensure a smooth and professional experience.
Gift of Life provides:
Play Your Part is more than just a single event. This program helps strengthen the culture of community service your department values and offers student-athletes a meaningful way to contribute to said community on and off the field. Participating in this initiative reflects positively on your program while reinforcing leadership, character development, and community responsibility in your athletes. By having your players join the registry, you demonstrate both your commitment and theirs to service and social impact while also enhancing the reputation of your athletics program.
We know this is a lot of information all at once, but we’re here to support you every step of the way. Here you’ll find answers to most frequently asked questions about participation, your involvement, and hosting drives. Don’t see your question? Feel free to ask us below!
Ask usNo, participation is entirely voluntary. Student-athletes receive education about donation, and it is up to them to choose whether to join the registry.
Your department’s primary role is providing access and communication support. Our team manages event logistics, educational materials, and registration coordination.
All registry processes are medically supervised and follow established safety protocols. Educational materials clearly outline the process and voluntary nature of participation.
No, educational materials, event handouts, and swab kits are provided by Gift of Life and sent to you in time for your drive. Sending the materials and completed swabs is just as simple as we also handle the costs of return shipping.
We provide regular updates on registration numbers and, when applicable, lifesaving matches and transplants resulting from your program’s participation.
Discover the colleges and universities that have already participated in the Play Your Part program.
Three days after the University of Virginia football team completed one of its most thrilling wins in years, a Cavalier player produced a milestone victory of a different kind.
On Sept. 29, the Monday following UVA’s wild, 46-38, double-overtime stunner over eighth-ranked Florida State University, Robbie Engelberg, a reserve safety and special teams contributor, was laid up in a Washington-area hospital bed after a lengthy procedure to donate his stem cells to a 65-year-old man battling a rare blood cancer.
Read More
Gift of Life’s mission is to cure blood cancer through cellular therapy.
At Gift of Life, we believe that every person battling blood cancer deserves a second chance at life – and we are determined to make it happen. We are singularly passionate about engaging the public to help us get everyone involved in curing blood cancer, whether as a donor, a volunteer, or a financial supporter. It all begins with one remarkable person, one life-changing swab and one huge win – finding a match and a cure.
Hear from student athletes who saved lives
