Breanna Stewart lost her father-in-law, Josep Xargay, to cancer nearly a year ago. Now, Stewart is channeling her grief into raising awareness for the disease by partnering with NMDP, formerly known as the National Marrow Donor Program.
“It was pretty deep,” Stewart shared in a recent interview, pausing to gather herself while speaking about her loss. “I don’t think it ever got to the point where he could get on a transplant list or anything. I don’t know if I’ll be able to donate at some point, but just doing what I can to help spread the word.”
Stewart took part in an event in New York called NMDP Unite on Saturday, coinciding with the global celebration of World Marrow Donor Day. The gathering aimed to raise funds for NMDP’s patient assistance program and blood stem cell research initiatives. Stewart mingled with attendees, posed for photos, and even took a swab to join the NMDP Registry.
In addition to her advocacy efforts, Stewart recently reconnected with Brian Kevan, a New York firefighter who served on 9/11. Kevan, who had cancer, attributes his survival to a blood stem cell donation. The two met after a Liberty game and reunited at the NMDP event.
“It’s really inspirational and something I wanted to be a part of,” Stewart remarked. “He was a firefighter in 9/11, which is even more inspiring and incredible.”
Stewart recalled being just 7 years old on September 11. “We were in school and we were supposed to watch something on TV that day, and all of a sudden, the teachers were just getting really emotional,” she said. “We couldn’t watch anything. We got sent home early, and I came home and my mom was on the couch crying, watching the news.”
At the Liberty game that night, Stewart also met another cancer patient who attended UConn with her. This patient has not yet required a transplant.
“Hopefully, I can inspire them as they’re inspiring me,” Stewart said. “When you meet people who are really fighting for their lives, it puts life into perspective.”
With the anniversary of her father-in-law’s passing approaching, Stewart acknowledged the difficulty for her family. “I’ll continue to get through it by helping others, and this was one way,” she said.
