Jodi Eisner, founder of Annietober365 and Annie’s Army, was interviewed by Karisa Maxwell of the Sports Philanthropy Network during Super Bowl 59. She shared the story of her daughter Annie, who battled leukemia and inspired a movement to increase bone marrow donor registration. Jodi discussed the urgent need for young donors, the impact of bone marrow transplants on various blood diseases, and how Annie’s army is working with the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative to expand awareness and diversity in donor registry.
Jodi Eisner
Jodi Eisner founded Annietober365 and Annie’s Army after losing her daughter to Leukemia in August of 2023. Despite Annie’s illness, she became a campus ambassador for Gift of Life, organizing swab drives to register potential bone marrow donors. Inspired by her legacy, her family launched Annie’s Army, aiming to recruit young donors (ages 18-35) to the bone marrow registry—a critical need, especially for underrepresented communities.
Annietober365
The Annietober 365 Foundation is proud to support groundbreaking cancer research through Cycle for Survival. Founded by Livingston resident Jennifer Goodman Linn, Cycle for Survival is the movement to beat rare cancers. While Annie and Jen never met, Annie was inspired by Jen’s mission and was a passionate supporter of Cycle for Survival long before the cause became so personal to her.
100% of every dollar donated to Cycle for Survival funds innovative research and clinical trials at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Rare cancers – including brain, skin, ovarian, blood, and pancreatic cancers, as well as all pediatric cancers – comprise about 50% of all cancer diagnoses, yet receive far less research funding compared to other cancer types. Your generous donation to the Annietober 365 Foundation is helping us beat cancer forever!
As a two-time transplant recipient, Annie understood the vital importance of finding lifesaving donor matches for those in need of a bone marrow transplant. Annie was proud to serve as a Campus Ambassador for Gift of Life, and recruited many of her fellow students to join the marrow registry during her time at Syracuse University. We are dedicated to continuing Annie’s work with Gift of Life by hosting swab drives in her honor.
WATCH THE INTERVIEW
1. Introduction & Purpose of Super Bowl Advocacy (00:00 – 00:27)
– Chris Maxwell explains how organizations use the Super Bowl platform to promote important causes, highlighting Annietober365’s mission.
2. Annie’s Diagnosis & Treatment Journey (00:59 – 02:03)
– Jody Isner shares her daughter Annie’s story, from a sudden leukemia diagnosis in 2020 to undergoing two bone marrow transplants.
3. Annie’s College Experience & Advocacy Work (02:36 – 03:01)
– Despite health challenges, Annie returned to Syracuse University and became a campus ambassador for the Gift of Life marrow registry.
4. The Impact of Annie’s Swab Drives (03:01 – 03:34)
– Annie’s efforts led to 36 students joining the registry, resulting in four matches and one life-saving transplant.
5. Continuing Annie’s Legacy After Her Passing (03:34 – 04:09)
– After Annie’s passing in August 2023, her family held a memorial swab drive, inspiring the launch of “Annie’s Army.”
6. Growth of the Swab Initiative (04:39 – 05:07)
– Over 5,300 young people have joined the registry through Annietober365, with a goal of increasing participation.
7. The Need for More Donors & Diversity in the Registry (06:08 – 07:02)
– Bone marrow transplants help treat 75 blood diseases, including sickle cell anemia, which disproportionately affects the Black community.
8. Demystifying the Swab & Donation Process (07:33 – 08:04)
– Swabbing is quick and painless, and over 90% of donations involve a simple blood draw rather than surgery.
9. NFL Collaboration & Expanding Outreach (08:31 – 09:33)
– Annietober365 is working with the Minnesota Vikings and Crucial Catch to organize swab drives at NFL events.
10. How to Get Involved & Save a Life (09:33 – 12:19)
– Anyone 18-35 can request a swab kit at AnniesArmy.com and potentially become a life-saving match.
