Celebratory return to the center for former patients, transplant pioneers

General Article

Patient reunion committee seeks volunteers, frequent-flier miles, housing and creative input for July 29-31 return of transplant survivors

Dr. Don Thomas and his wife and research partner, Dottie, are pictured with dozens of former patients and family members at the 2000 reunion. Photo by Jim Linna

Staff volunteers are needed this summer as hundreds of Fred Hutchinson marrow and stem-cell transplant survivors and their families return to the campus in July for a weekend of workshops, research updates and events to celebrate their "Legacy for Life." The invitees — former patients who received transplants before Jan. 1, 2001 — include true pioneers of the procedure.

Every person who participates in a clinical trial plays an important role in helping researchers fine tune the treatments. It is through this legacy that each generation of transplant recipients advances science — improving survival rates and quality of life for future patients.

In recognition of immeasurable courage, persistence, hope and contributions to research, a transplant patient recognition wall will be unveiled during the reunion weekend. The concept and design are under way for the display, which will be located in the Thomas Building directly across from the Sze conference rooms.

Former transplant patients and their families will be among the first to see the recognition wall as they arrive at the center for the reunion on July 29. Following their arrival, buses will take participants to Benaroya Hall for an evening of festivities featuring country singer and cancer survivor Kevin Sharp.

July 30 will be devoted to workshops focusing on research and quality-of-life issues. A variety of information and vendor booths will be available, as well as kids' activities. Saturday night will be a time for fun; arrangements are under way to include patients and their families in Seafair events that evening, including participation in the Torchlight Parade. July 31 will feature closing ceremonies, brunch, and the formal dedication of the recognition wall.

Volunteers, donations needed

The reunion committee will depend heavily on the generosity of center staff to make this event memorable and successful. Needs include:

• Volunteers to assist with registration, transportation and other logistics
• Hosts to house participants unable to cover their own hotel costs
• Donated air miles for former patients who live out of town and can't afford to fly
• Donations of gifts to be used as door prizes or mementos at reunion events

To volunteer, please contact patientreunion@fhcrc.org or (206) 667-6559.

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Patient reunion committee seeks a prize-winning T-shirt design

Submit the winning T-shirt design idea for this summer's patient reunion and you could win a $50 gift certificate at the Seattle-area restaurant of your choice. E-mail all design ideas to reunion coordinator Laura Welle at lwelle@fhcrc.org by March 1.

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