Earl Young is an American Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneur, and life-long advocate for others whose life journey blends athletic excellence with personal courage and philanthropy. A standout sprinter at Abilene Christian University, Young earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic team at just 19 years old, competing in the 1960 Rome Games where he finished sixth in the 400 meters and powered the U.S. 4×400 meter relay team to a gold medal and world record performance. Young’s athletic success continued with two additional gold medals at the 1963 Pan American Games, and he has since been honored with induction into both the ACU Sports Hall of Fame and the Texas Track & Field Hall of Fame, as well as featuring on the cover of Sports Illustrated during the height of his track career.

Later in life, Young faced one of his toughest challenges when he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2011. A life-saving bone marrow transplant from a stranger in Germany gave him a “second chance,” inspiring him to found Earl Young’s Team, a nonprofit dedicated to defeating blood cancer by increasing awareness and recruitment of potential donors—especially on college campuses where young, healthy registrants are most needed. Through educational outreach and swab drives in partnership with organizations like DKMS, Young leverages his story of resilience to motivate thousands to join the donor registry and help save lives, embodying his belief that “helping a team win Olympic gold is great, but assisting a team in saving lives is even better.”

Stacey Young Mayfield is the proud daughter of Olympic gold medalist, Founder & CEO, Earl Young, bringing passion and heart to her role as Legacy Director for the foundation. Inspired by her father’s incredible journey and legacy, Stacey is fueled by purpose, stewardship, and a drive to make a lasting difference. Her dynamic leadership propels the organization forward, empowering the team and amplifying the foundation’s mission and vision to achieve an impactful future of lifesaving.

I am a proud Dallas native raised in a community-focused family, passionate about volunteering and helping others. After graduating from the University of Denver, I launched my career in a Crate & Barrel management training role, where I merged my love for home decor with leadership. I took time off to raise my two wonderful sons, an experience that deepened my appreciation for family and community. My journey took a turn when a friend was diagnosed with lymphoma prior to my sister-in-law’s blood cancer diagnosis, inspiring me to organize a donor drive that brought hope to others as well as my friends and family. In 2011, I channeled this passion into a 12-year career as a Donor Recruiter for DKMS, raising awareness for the need for more donors to connect patients with life-saving donors. Having collaborated with Earl for eight years, I joined Earl Young’s Team in 2023, continuing my commitment to making a difference. In my spare time, I love spending time with my husband and children, traveling, knitting, entertaining, and exploring estate sales to rescue unique furniture and art from past generations.

Jeanie Smith is a servant leader and Area Manager, bringing over 20 years of dedicated experience in healthcare, community service, higher education, and nonprofit volunteerism. Jeanie excels at forging impactful partnerships with colleges, universities, businesses, and faith-based organizations to host swab drives, helping grow the donor pool. Beyond her professional commitment to making a difference, Jeanie enjoys exploring National Parks, watching college basketball, and cherishes time with her growing family.

Joni brings over 20 years of nonprofit experience in building meaningful community partnerships, fundraising, and fostering lasting relationships. A proud seventh-generation Texan, Joni is passionate about honoring our roots while shaping a brighter future.