NBC-5 news anchor Rob Stafford to undergo bone marrow … – Chicago Tribune
Posted: March 1, 2017 at 6:41 pm
NBC-5 news anchor Rob Stafford has been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder and will take a leave of absence from the station for several months as he undergoes a bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy.
Stafford credited his wife, Lisa, for pushing him to get an early diagnosis that doctors say greatly improved his prognosis. He is scheduled to begin treatment Friday at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
"I spent my whole life asking questions, but I asked very few questions about my own health because all I wanted to hear is I'm OK," Stafford said in an interview at his Hinsdale home Tuesday. "You have to ask questions."
Stafford told colleagues at WMAQ-Ch. 5 about his illness in an email Wednesday morning and planned to announce the news publicly Wednesday at the end of the 10 p.m. newscast.
He expects to be away from his desk anchoring the 5, 6 and 10 p.m. weekday news for four to six months while at the Mayo Clinic. Doctors there say Stafford is in the early stages, Stage 2, of the disease, which can lead to heart failure and death if undetected.
Stafford's disorder, called amyloidosis, occurs when an abnormal protein called amyloid is produced in bone marrow that can be deposited in tissues and organs. There are more than 40 types of the disorder that affects the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system and digestive tract. Stafford's type known as light chain amyloidosis is rare, with fewer than 2,000 or so cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year, according to Dr. Ronald Go, Stafford's hematologist at the Mayo Clinic. Doctors are optimistic he will go into remission after treatment.
Before his diagnosis in January, Stafford had noticed lower energy levels while biking the Cal-Sag trail and hiking through the Rocky Mountains while on vacation. But the 58-year-old award-winning investigative reporter and father of three adult children dismissed the episodes as signs of getting older, he said.
After a physical detected slightly high cholesterol levels and more than usual amounts of protein in his urine, both indicators that his kidney had been damaged as a result of the blood disease, Stafford's wife insisted that he take the symptoms seriously.
"I believe there's a reason that this happened, and I think there's a calling that is to let people know the importance of early detection," said Lisa Stafford, his wife of 30 years who owns a medical marketing and communications company. She plans to stay with Stafford in temporary housing near the Mayo Clinic as he undergoes treatment, lives in a sterile environment and rebuilds his immune system while recovering from the effects of chemotherapy.
In his email to fellow staffers, Stafford joked that he did not wait for the end of sweeps to schedule treatment, but that Friday was the first opening on the Mayo schedule after Stafford completed all the required medical tests.
"I consider this early diagnosis a gift that left to my own devices I would not have received," Stafford wrote. "I'm going to take full advantage of my good fortune and hit this head on with the most aggressive and proven treatment available."
Stafford joined NBC-5 in 2009 after working as a Chicago-based correspondent for Dateline NBC for 11 years. Prior to that, he was a general assignment reporter at CBS2 Chicago. He has won two national and seven local Emmy awards, and an Edward R. Murrow award for a Dateline investigation into racial profiling.
Stafford said his experience meeting and interviewing people in the news, often "on their worst days," has allowed him to keep his health issues in perspective.
"This thing pales in comparison to 95 percent of the stories I do on a daily basis," said Stafford, who added that his work as a journalist also has helped him to seek out the best support, medical opinions and advice about the disorder.
During treatment, doctors will remove, or "harvest," stem cells from Stafford's own bone marrow and freeze millions of healthy ones. Chemotherapy then will be used to wipe out all of his bone marrow, including the unhealthy cells. As the final part of the treatment, doctors will transplant the healthy stem cells back into Stafford's bone marrow, and they will reproduce themselves, Go said.
"You're rescuing your bone marrow by the stem cells that you stored," Go said.
Although Stafford's parents were both treated for cancers in their 50s, doctors do not know the exact cause of Stafford's illness and do not believe it was is hereditary. Risk factors for amyloidosis include exposure to chemicals, radiation and aging, Go said.
Stafford confided in his NBC-5 co-anchor, Allison Rosati, and meteorologist Brant Miller about his illness shortly after his diagnosis in January. As medical tests forced him to travel, he alerted NBC-5 managers, who encouraged Stafford to do whatever it took to get the medical attention needed, he said.
"Rob is loved by his colleagues in the newsroom. We are encouraged by the news that his illness was detected early, and that he is in the excellent hands of the top doctors at the Mayo Clinic. We all wish Rob the best of luck in the weeks ahead, and we can't wait for his return to the newsroom," station manager and vice president of news Frank Whitaker said in an email.
NBC-5 weekend anchor Dick Johnson will be filling in for Stafford during his absence.
Stafford is expected to lose his hair as a result of the chemotherapy and has experienced weight loss. Doctors have encouraged him to pack on a few pounds in anticipation of further weight loss. He's obliged by indulging on Girl Scout cookies, deep dish pizza, cheeseburgers and milk, he said.
Stafford said he is trying to take emotion out of his upcoming battle, which he is approaching as a fight that he plans to win.
"I am not freaking out because I really am confident I am going to get through this," he said.
Lisa Stafford will be posting updates about her husband's condition on a blog: staffordrecovery.com. Rob Stafford also will offer updates on his Facebook Fan page.
Stafford's announcement came less than 24 hours after Hosea Sanders, veteran news anchor at WLS-Ch. 7, announced on his Facebook page he will undergo surgery for prostate cancer and that he was "very optimistic about the outcome."
Sanders told social media friends Tuesday night that he had been diagnosed several weeks ago and would be taking some time off from the ABC-owned station, for which he anchors the 7 p.m. newscast each weeknight.
View post:
NBC-5 news anchor Rob Stafford to undergo bone marrow ... - Chicago Tribune
- 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]