Bone marrow recipient meets donor who gave him the gift of life
Posted: February 13, 2012 at 1:03 am
BOCA RATON—
A physician from Indianapolis met the woman who saved his life on Sunday morning, providing an emotional kick-off for the second annual Walk for Life, sponsored by the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation.
"It's almost like a total out of body experience," said Scott Savader, 53, moments after he embraced former Sunrise resident Jill Rubin, who provided the stem cells that were transplanted into Savader's body nearly two years ago.
As the two met for the first time, about 300 people cheered before heading off on a 5K walk at Florida Atlantic University. The effort is part of a campaign to raise awareness and raise $100,000 for lab tests necessary to match donors and recipients.
Savader said receiving the transplant was "like being plucked from a fire or a sinking car. There is a bond there now that transcends just knowing somebody. If not for her generosity, I would have died."
Each year, 10,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with a disease treatable with a bone marrow transplant. Yet only about half find the donor who could save them, according to Jay Feinberg, the Delray Beach resident who started the foundation after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia.
He received a transplant in 1995 and has since dedicated his life to making matches for others.
Savader, a radiologist, was diagnosed with myelofibrosis in 2008.
Rubin, 45, a physical therapist, said she registered as a bone marrow donor 10 years ago while attending a fair in Plantation. She and her family have since moved to Deland.
"This is very emotional for me," said Rubin as she and Savader posed for pictures.
After spending a little time with Savader and his family Sunday, Rubin said she felt even better about her gift to him.
She also learned that Savader grew up and went to high school in Cooper City. "Small world," she said.
Temperatures in the 40s and a chilly wind did little to dampen enthusiasm for the walk. Participants were inspired by Savader and Rubin and other success stories.
Among the latter were 6-year-old Matthew Welling, on hand with his parents Michael and Susie Welling of Port Chester, N.Y., and Boca Raton resident Jill Goldsmith, who donated the bone marrow that reversed the boy's osteoporosis in 2007.
"It was an amazing, life-changing experience," said Goldsmith, 50, as she watched Matthew dance happily around a field at the university.
"What I had to do to save a life was so easy," said Goldsmith. "And to see him now, well, I feel proud and honored and so blessed."
During last year's walk, more than 1,000 new donors were added to the registry and resulted in 14 matches for patients throughout the U.S. They joined a total registry of nearly 200,000, said Feinberg.
Volunteering to become a potential donor begins with an oral swab that is then tested for tissue type. Most of the foundation's money goes toward paying for those lab tests, which cost about $55 each, said Feinberg.
For information, go to mwclary@tribune.com">http://www.giftoflife.org.
mwclary@tribune.com or at 954-356-4465
Read this article:
Bone marrow recipient meets donor who gave him the gift of life
- Bone Marrow Stem Cells [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 24th, 2011]
- Stem cells in bone marrow are being used to treat EB [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 24th, 2011]
- Stem cells in bone marrow are being used to treat EB [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2011]
- Peripheral Artery Disease: Can Progenitor Cells Help? [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2011]
- Bone Marrow Producing Insulin [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2011]
- Stem Cells Reversing Endothelial Senescence [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2011]
- Peripheral Artery Disease: Can Progenitor Cells Help? [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2011]
- Science behind Enhancing Adult Stem Cells for wellbeing [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2011]
- Bone Marrow Stem Cell Applications [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2011]
- Immune Modulation by Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2011]
- Expansion of Stem Cells by Valproic Acid [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2011]
- STEM CELLS FOR MACULAR DEGENERATION Sam Smith's story.wmv [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2011]
- StemLife's First Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplant Recipient [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2011]
- Bone Marrow Differentiation to Heart? YES [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2011]
- STEM CELLS FOR OTHER USES Interview with Sam Smith.wmv [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2011]
- StemLife's First Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplant Recipient [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2011]
- Bone marrow transplantation HD, ENG subtitles [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2011]
- Cord Blood and Bone Marrow Stem Cells for Liver Failure [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2011]
- Bone Marrow Stem Cell Applications [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2011]
- Bone Marrow Producing Insulin [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2011]
- Bone Marrow Stem Cell Donation [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2011]
- Adult Stem Cells May Target and Repair Heart Attack Damage [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2011]
- Stem cells used for medical treatment [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2011]
- Bone marrow transplantation HD, ENG subtitles [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2011]
- Adult Stem Cells May Target and Repair Heart Attack Damage [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2011]
- From Surgical Repair to Stem Cell Repair: A Surgeon's Journey by Leonard Smith MD, FACS [Last Updated On: July 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 13th, 2011]
- STEM CELLS - Bone Marrow Stem Cells (Balzitt).flv [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2011]
- Spirulina DLA Naturals [Last Updated On: July 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 15th, 2011]
- Spirulina DLA Naturals [Last Updated On: July 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 16th, 2011]
- Insidermedicine In 60 - January 6, 2011 [Last Updated On: July 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 16th, 2011]
- Christian Drapeau Talk About - Adult Stem Cells and StemEnhance./StemTech [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2011]
- The potential of stem cells [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2011]
- Insidermedicine In 60 - March 11, 2011 [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2011]
- Blind Girl get's cure you need to see to believe" [Last Updated On: July 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 23rd, 2011]
- STEM CELLS - Bone Marrow Stem Cells (Balzitt).flv [Last Updated On: July 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 23rd, 2011]
- Expansion of Stem Cells by Valproic Acid [Last Updated On: July 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 23rd, 2011]
- Blind Girl get's cure you need to see to believe" [Last Updated On: July 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 24th, 2011]
- LifeCell in Kalaignar Seithigal,Sun News [Last Updated On: July 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 26th, 2011]
- Science behind Enhancing Adult Stem Cells for wellbeing [Last Updated On: July 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 27th, 2011]
- Why treatment results vary after stem cell treatment [Last Updated On: July 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 27th, 2011]
- From Surgical Repair to Stem Cell Repair: A Surgeon's Journey by Leonard Smith MD, FACS [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2011]
- Insidermedicine In 60 - March 11, 2011 [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2011]
- Why STEM-Enhance? [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2011]
- Stem cells Transplatation in Completed Paralyze Dog. [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2011]
- Stem cells Transplatation in Completed Paralyze Dog. [Last Updated On: August 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 15th, 2011]
- Best natural skin care serum using stem cell technology [Last Updated On: August 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 19th, 2011]
- "Bone Marrow Stem Cells" Donald Kohn [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2011]
- The potential of stem cells [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2011]
- Manatee man is paralyzed, but still plenty hopeful [Last Updated On: September 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 4th, 2011]
- Stem Cells and Bone Marrow Transplants by Dipnarine Maharaj MD PhD [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- MS Cure - Introduction to stem cell bone marrow transplant in Australia [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplantation: An Introduction, With Sonali Smith, MD [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Cancer Update: Autologus Stem Cell (Bone Marrow) Transplant [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplant Live from Top US Hospital [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Adult Stem Cell Mobilization from Bone Marrow (Animation) [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Bone Marrow / Stem Cell Transplant Recovery Fund [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2011]
- Bone Marrow Stem Cell Expansion by HOXB4 and p21 Knock Out [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2011]
- Adult Stem Cell Mobilization from Bone Marrow (Animation) [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2011]
- Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2011]
- Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant [Last Updated On: September 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 11th, 2011]
- Macular Degeneration Improved With Stem Cells [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Transplant India,Bone Marrow Transplant India,Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment India [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2011]
- Nurses Discuss Special Bonds With Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Patients [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2011]
- Becoming a Blood Stem Cell Donor [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2011]
- Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Patients Share Their Stories [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2011]
- LittleBigPlanet 2 - (WIP) Stem Cell Sackboy Bone Marrow Bugaloo [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2011]
- LittleBigPlanet 2 - Stem Cell Sackboy Quarter 4 Update (Bone Marrow Bugaloo) [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2011]
- Bone Marrow Transplant Program Continues to Grow, Make a Difference [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Can Stem Cell Prolotherapy or Bone Marrow Prolotherapy help articular cartilage defects? [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Multiple Sclerosis, Stem Cells, and Hope, Part 2 [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Bone Marrow Transplant Program Continues to Grow, Make a Difference [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- How to be an Anthony Nolan blood stem cell donor [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Stem Cells extracted from bone marrow [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Calum's stem cell donation for Anthony Nolan [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Cancer Update: Autologus Stem Cell (Bone Marrow) Transplant [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Bone Marrow - Stem Cell Prolotherapy [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Bone Marrow Stem Cell Aspiration and Re-Injection with PRP for Osteoarthritis by Dr Adelson [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Mesenchymal stem cells and marrow stromal cells---2nd--- [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Injections - Bone Marrow Prolotherapy - treatment for arthritis [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- Chat w/ Dr. Maharaj, founder of S. FL. Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant Institute [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]