From OHC
July 8, 2015
Click on image for a larger view! We hope you’ll join us.
In 2013, Cincinnati Reds employee Chris Herrell underwent a successful bone marrow transplant for a rare blood disease, Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS).
But that success didn’t come easy. Finding a bone marrow match for Chris proved difficult. No family relations had the right match. The Reds and other local organizations held blood drives for months in search of a donor. Finally, OHC oncologists at The Jewish Hospital-Mercy Health Blood Cancer Center, working with the National Marrow Donor Program, found an unrelated donor…across the pond in Germany.
According to OHC Blood & Marrow Medical Oncologist Dr. James Essell, “It’s not unusual, especially in Cincinnati with a large German population.”
Chris has had the opportunity to thank so many supporters throughout his ordeal. But being able to personally thank his donor has not been possible. Until Aug. 5, 2015.
At that night’s Cincinnati Reds vs St. Louis Cardinals game at Great American Ballpark, Chris will meet and thank his donor. The still-anonymous donor is traveling here with his family. In addition to being personally thanked by Chris and his family, he will get the rare American treat of throwing out the first pitch. A small thank you for his life-saving donation.
Please join OHC and The Jewish Hospital-Mercy Health Blood Cancer Center in celebrating this incredible moment when Chris and his donor will be introduced at the game. Tickets that night are reduced to $23. Details are in the flyer.
