Jordana Green, WCCO radio host and stem cell recipient
WCCO on-air host Jordana Green was feeling very fatigued and noticed some very large bruising on her legs. October 20, 2020, she went in for some bloodwork and that night her doctor called to tell her to go to the ER because her platelets were low. She was admitted, received a bone marrow biopsy and 12 hours later was told the shocking news: she had leukemia.
After a series of intensive in-patient chemotherapy, Jordana was in remission for 16 months. Sadly, her cancer came back May 2022.
“My doctor said no more chemo—we now have to take you to a stem cell transplant,” Jordana recalls. Because her doctor suspected this outcome, the search for her donor match had already begun. “My doctors worked with Be The Match. I’m so grateful and lucky to report that two donors were found for me,” Jordana shared before her transplant.
Sharing her journey
While Jordana took a leave from work during her treatment, she regularly popped in on her 830 WCCO radio show to update listeners. She shared her journey with honesty and humor on the radio, on Instagram (@jordanaverde) and through her Caring Bridge site, describing her treatment and delivering “fun chemo facts.”
Writing about her oldest daughter’s college application process, she said, “Cancer has put a stink on all the things happening in our lives. I know that one day we will once again feel the unabashed joy in great accomplishments without the stain of cancer.”
And throughout her entire journey—even before she was referred to transplant—she raised awareness of the Be The Match® mission, recruiting donors to the registry and educating her audience about blood stem cell transplants and the need for volunteer donors.
Broadcasting hope
By Jordana’s one-year transplant anniversary, she felt good and had more energy. While she was still taking medication and receiving vaccinations, she was taking fewer naps, walking around the lake and doing yoga.
On May 25, in honor of her one-year “re-birthday,” WCCO Radio hosted its first ever WCCO’s Be The Match Radio Auction with items and experiences provided by WCCO and sourced by on-air talent, sponsors and partners. Thanks to our remarkable partners at WCCO and generous bids and donations from listeners near and far, more than $80,000 was raised in a single day for Be The Match to advance our mission.
“What a fun day auctioning off priceless, unique experiences for a cause so close and personal to us, in honor of our friend, teammate and bone marrow transplant recipient Jordana Green,” said Brad Lane, 830 WCCO.
Hosting from the heart
If you’ve been following Jordana’s journey and want to know how she’s doing today, see for yourself—in person! We’re thrilled to announce that Saturday September 30 Jordana Green will be joining us for an evening of inspiration and hope as our 2023 Be The Match Gala emcee.
Purchase your tickets by September 8 and join us as we come together to raise critical funds for patient assistance, hear inspiring stories and celebrate the impact of our amazing community of supporters.
Unable to join us in person for this inspiring evening? Be there in spirit by making a donation to this life-saving cause. Every dollar you donate will help save lives. Just ask Jordana.
