Ebiowei Porbeni, affectionately known as Nurse Ebi, was a social media influencer, health care provider and host of the Nurse Speak podcast. Through his podcast and social media platforms, Ebi shared his everyday experience of working in the health care field. He amassed a significant following. When he was diagnosed with leukemia in September 2020, Ebi used his platform to share his cancer battle. He also encouraged his followers to give back by joining the Be The Match Registry®.
“My brother always wanted to leave some mark. When he got diagnosed with his cancer, he was able to use his platform to help bring over 15,000 people to sign up for [the registry]. I think this was a great way for him to have a lasting legacy,” said Ebi’s Brother, Layifa.
Be The Match® worked with Ebi from January until July 2021 to raise awareness about the registry and recruit and educate potential donors. Ebi’s first social media post about Be The Match resulted in over 1,000 registrations in one day. By sharing patient stories and his own journey, Ebi’s followers had the chance to see the impact they could make on thousands of people in need of blood stem cell transplants.
Ebi passed away on July 21, 2021 from his battle with leukemia. His legacy lives on through his family, friends and the nursing community who have rallied together to continue encouraging people to join the registry. To date over 15,500 people have registered in Ebi’s honor.
Inspired by Ebi's commitment to his work as a nurse, Be The Match has partnered with the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) to continue to support the nursing community in a meaningful way to honor Ebi's legacy. The NBNA Ebi Porbeni Memorial Scholarship presented by Be The Match will offer two $5,000 scholarships to nursing students to continue to diversify the medical field.
