Bone Marrow Registry at MED
Donations requested for BU community member diagnosed with leukemia
Every four minutes, someone is diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma, and each year, more than 50,000 people die from the two diseases. One treatment that saves many lives involves bone marrow transplants, but transplanted marrow must match up with the marrow of the person who is ill. Fortunately, it’s easy to learn if your marrow is a match for a person in need: a simple cheek swap will do the trick, and Monday, January 25, is a good day to learn if you can help.
A bone marrow registry is being held through the Be the Match Marrow Registry on Monday, January 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the School of Medicine. The registry is organized for Lorraine Witzburg, wife of Bob Witzburg, a MED professor of medicine and associate dean and director of admission. Lorraine has been diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia.
"Since my student days at MED, Dr. Witzburg has been an outstanding role model,” says Suzanne Sarfaty, a MED associate professor, assistant dean for academic affairs, and director of international health programs. “Bob has always been passionate about medicine and patient care, as well as student and resident education. He has been a wonderful mentor, a trusted colleague, and a friend. Bob’s dedication to his family and the deep admiration he holds for his wife, Lorraine, have always been a source of inspiration for me. It is in this spirit that we have organized a bone marrow drive in his wife’s honor.”
At the MED registry, cheek swabs will be taken from donors and sent to the Be the Match Marrow Registry to see if they match anyone in need of a bone marrow transplant. Determine if you are eligible to donate here. If you cannot make it to the drive or would like to share this opportunity with friends and family, join the registry here.
If you are already registered, but would still like to help, please note that donations to the Be the Match Marrow Registry are welcome and are requested by the Witzburgs in lieu of gifts. Swabs normally cost $50, but are free for this event.
A blog has been set up for students, faculty, and friends to share their thoughts with Bob and Lorraine.
The bone marrow registry will be held Monday, January 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the School of Medicine Instructional Building, 72 East Concord St., Room L-109A/B. For questions, contact Gina Digravio at Gina.Digravio@bmc.org.
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