ANTON FROM AUSTRIA GAVE A SERBIAN MAN A CHANCE AT A NEW LIFE: He donated his stem cells, and it all began at a school celebration!

A school celebration in the Austrian town of Gnas two years ago marked the beginning of a special humanitarian story. Thirty-eight-year-old Anton Dunkl registered as a potential stem cell donor at the time, unaware that his gesture would give a patient from Serbia a new chance at life two years later.

On September 29, 2026, Anton Dunkl (38), from the town of Gnas in the Austrian province of Styria, donated stem cells to a patient from Serbia.

The donation procedure itself lasted just two and a half hours, but for the person who needed the stem cells, it represented an opportunity for a new life.

However, the story of Anton’s humanitarian act began thanks to another person, whose selfless gesture set an entire chain of events in motion.

It All Began at a School Celebration

In January 2024, Julia Hiter donated stem cells to a patient in the United States.

Several months later, on May 24 of the same year, she organized a donor registration drive together with the organization “Geben für Leben” (“Give for Life”) during a school celebration at Gnas Elementary School.

Among those who decided to register as potential donors that day was Anton Dunkl.

At the time, he could not have imagined that his decision would prove so significant two years later for someone living hundreds of kilometers away.

Two Years Later, He Received the Call That Changed Everything

In the spring of 2026, Anton received the news that he had been identified as a suitable stem cell donor.

Following the necessary preparations, the donation for a patient from Serbia took place on September 29.

Thus, a decision made at a school celebration grew into a story of solidarity that connected Austria and Serbia.

Stem cell donation can be crucial for patients who need a transplant, and finding a suitable donor is often one of the most important steps in their treatment.

Recognition for His Humanitarian Act

On October 19, 2026, Anton Dunkl received a certificate of appreciation for his willingness to donate stem cells and give another person a chance at life.

Julia Hiter was also recognized, as her personal donation inspired the organization of the drive during which Anton registered as a potential donor.

Their story shows how far-reaching the consequences of a single humanitarian act can be.

It all began with one woman’s decision to help an unknown patient in the United States, continued with the organization of a drive at an Austrian school, and two years later reached Serbia, where one patient was given a new opportunity for treatment.