From Undergraduate to Hero: Solano Student's Life-Saving Bone Marrow Match Begins with One Swab
Note: Article and photo contributed by Solano Community College
In a remarkable display of compassion and scientific collaboration, Solano Community College student Jose Solorio, a scholar in the college's biomanufacturing bachelor's program, has become a real-life hero. Through Solano’s partnership with the National Bone Marrow Registry (formerly "Be the Match"), Solorio’s bone marrow donation was a match for an 11-year-old child in New York, potentially saving the child’s life.
Jose, who is also a California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) trainee, was completing his summer internship at Stanford’s prestigious Laboratory for Cell and Gene Medicine when he was notified that he was a match. His donation involved a journey to New York, where bone marrow stem cells were extracted from his hip and used to treat the young patient.
Reflecting on his involvement, Jose said, “I've always had the passion to help others in some way or another and I finally found a way where I can do that. My mother, who has been dealing with many health problems, has been a huge influence in helping me pursue this career. I hope that one day I can return the favor.”
As part of the $2.9 million CIRM COMPASS grant, which provides funding for students to engage in hands-on research and community outreach to educate the public on stem cells and regenerative medicine, Solano Community College (SCC) partnered with the National Bone Marrow Registry to hold three recruitment drives on campus. These drives, led by Solano Community College’s local chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK), Beta Mu Gamma, signed up approximately 70 students each time. Due to the college's diversity, Solano's contributions to the registry are particularly valuable, addressing the underrepresentation of diverse samples in the bone marrow registry.
Jose’s commitment to helping others extends beyond this donation. His academic journey is equally inspiring. Jose started the biomanufacturing bachelor's program in Fall 2023 with the goal of advancing treatments for currently untreatable diseases using stem cells and CAR-T cell therapy. His career aspirations are deeply personal. "My family came from Mexico looking for work in the U.S., and they struggled. Despite financial difficulties, my parents always supported me and my brothers. My education is not only a personal goal but a way to give back to my family," Jose shared in his application essay.
Jose’s educational and extracurricular accomplishments further highlight his drive. He is part of Solano’s Blue Genes team, which recently became finalists in the national Department of Energy Algae Prize competition. As Treasurer for the team, Jose continues to showcase his leadership and commitment to advancing biotechnological innovation.
As he looks to the future, Jose plans to pursue a master’s degree in biomedical engineering, with the confidence gained from his experiences both in the classroom and through real-world impacts like his bone marrow donation.
Solano Community College, CIRM, and the National Bone Marrow Registry are proud of Jose’s incredible achievement and the ongoing work of students, faculty, and staff to make a positive impact on the world.