News Release

Former Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center marrow transplant patients to celebrate life at a reunion in Seattle

Meeting Announcement

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

The legacy of the Hutchinson Center - more than 500 marrow transplant survivors to converge on the Hutchinson Center one more time to share life and successes

Sharing memories, dreams and hopes for the future, veterans of the battle with cancer and other life-threatening diseases will converge on Seattle August 3-5, 2000, for Spirit of Seattle 2000, a former patient reunion. Celebrating life will be the highlight of this three-day whirlwind affair. Attendees include friends and family members of hundreds of people who underwent a bone marrow or stem cell transplant at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in the last 25 years.

As hosts of the patient reunion, the Hutchinson Center has planned a number of activities including a celebration luncheon and dinner plus presentations on the latest research findings and workshops on topics of interest to the former patients and their families.

This is the third former patient reunion hosted by the Center. The first reunion was held in 1988 with the second following five years later in 1994. Patients five or more years post transplant are invited to the Hutchinson Center.

The Spirit of Seattle Reunion is a prelude to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center's 25th anniversary celebration beginning in September. These veterans, and the many others, who have crossed the Center's threshold in a search for a cure, bring meaning to the research efforts at the Center. Their lives are a result of teamwork - combining knowledge, strength, courage and dedication on the part of the patient, the families and Center staff.

"I feel very blessed to be alive today, 23 years later. I will be forever thankful for Fred Hutchinson, all the doctors and nurses, and, of course, Dr. Thomas. Without them I would not be here today."
Ariel Shimondle
Seattle, Washington
August 1977

"I was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia in 1975. My primary oncologist refused to advise a trip to Seattle for an experimental procedure called a bone marrow transplant, because he considered it to be a very foolish…. two young residents assigned to my case, they had no plan to take no for an answer…they arranged for an Air Force hospital place to fly me to Seattle…. home of the miracle workers that were led by Don Thomas and his unbelievable staff. Their prognosis was beyond grim…. They offered less than five- percent chance that I would survive. That was 29 years ago, and here I am, the second longest survivor of a bone marrow transplant in the world.
Steven McCarty
Kent, Washington
August 1975

"I was told I had two years to live with no options. Finding an answer was very difficult because all the oncologists I talked with told me there was no hope. I was finally told months later that one possibility was a bone marrow transplant and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center was the best place to go."
Jean Durko
Lake Zurich, IL
November 1984

"Part of my post-transplant experience is the gratitude I feel toward the wonderful people who nurtured me through this journey - medical personnel, family members, my donor, and friends. I was blessed and remain blessed. The blessings began with a trusted family doctor that told me to seek the best medical facility I could afford for this transplant…. The best doctors available…. Which led me to select Fred Hutchinson and its medical staff."
Marla Murphy
Livonia, Michigan
November 1991

"I had been planning to be married before I became ill. My fiancée came to Seattle the second week after my transplant. The day we were told that the bone marrow test showed that my graft was showing activity, Jim asked me 'again' to marry him…. We were married in my LAF room…. We were able to spend the next 10 years celebrating those life events that many take for granted. Jim passed away in 1994 from a heart problem, but we both were happy to have those years together thanks to the gift of life from my sister and the Hutch."
Vicki Turnbull
Lexington, Kentucky
May 1984

"We have every reason to be thankful to Dr. Thomas and his assistants for their knowledge and insight into developing this program. God blesses them all! Medical science made survival possible…. There was faith in the Lord, desire to see the kids' raised and sheer stubborn determination that brought Masel through this. All these things combined with the prayers of so many people are why she is alive today and how she was able to raise our kids and now enjoy our grandchildren. Our lives were changed by these events. Probably in ways we will never know. We were, in some ways, strengthened by our ordeal. I do know, however, that I will never be able to think about it without getting emotional."
Dave Westerfield for Masel Westerfield
Hillsboro, Oregon
August 1974

"My experience in Seattle was great. The doctors, nurses and support staff made me feel right at home. If your spirits got down there was always someone to pick you back up. I will forever be grateful to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center."
Lynda Chibri
Saskatchewan, Canada
March 1974

" I am very thankful for the Hutch and all the great staff, and my docs and nurses here at home for being so quick to jump on my illness and head me to the Hutch for a transplant. I thank you all."
Kathy Morin
Folsom, California
November 1981

"On December 1, 1996 (my second transplant, my first transplant was in 1986), I had a very successful bone marrow transplant, had a perfect match from my sister. All was wonderful for several years. I returned to Japan to teach. I became pregnant. While undergoing pregnancy related medical tests, the doctors found my leukemia had returned. I had my baby, a miracle, Matthew at 30 weeks. I had another bone marrow transplant in July 1996 and it was another great success!"
Margaret Burns
Spokane, Washington
December 1986 and July 1996

"Through continued inquiry and advice I was fortunate enough to have been led to FHCRC for a bone marrow transplant. I stored my sperm in New York and Seattle. I am happy to say that I am the proud father of Christopher John Roethel, Jr., and he, my wife, Rosella, and I are all living a happy and healthy life."
Christopher Roethel
Hicksville, New York
March 1989

"My story is a wonderful one. I received the gift of life not only once, but twice. I am a double transplant recipient. I am very fortunate to be alive. I am grateful to my sister Martha, for if it were not for her and her gifts to me I would not be coming to the Fred Hutchinson reunion. Without the help and support from my family, all of these challenges would have been considerably harder. I am also forever grateful to the staff at the Fred Hutchinson."
Mark Duque
Baird, Texas
December 1979

"Most of my memories are of the people who comprise Fred Hutchinson. They are the essence of the Hutch, and they are the ones who exemplify the goals of the organization. I had already decided to take the only chance for a possible cure, and the visit confirmed my doctor's opinion that the Hutch, pioneering the unrelated donor transplant program, was the best place for treatment."
Janis Jordan
Fayetteville, Georgia
August 1994

"The journey through diagnosis, treatment and recovery was an odyssey that I continue to be grateful for, though I wouldn't have volunteered for it and I wouldn't sign up to repeat it. A highlight of my 'after' life, was my marriage to my transplant primary caregiver, David Edward. It is a great pleasure and a true honor to be able to attend the Spirit of Seattle 2000 as a gesture of thanks to the incredible team at Fred Hutchinson and to demonstrate to others that complete recovery is possible."
Helen Kerner
Larkspur, California
December 1993

"My wife and I spent 146 days in Seattle, 146 days of care and compassion! The doctors and nurses were fantastic. I say Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is the greatest medical institution in the world! I praise God for the Hutch and all of the great people who work there. I pray God will continue to bless all of you as he has Renee and I."
Hal Norman
Long Beach, Washington
May 1991

"Wyoming has always been beautiful, but it never looked quite so good! I have been cancer-free ever since and am convinced that I am cured! I am forever grateful to God as well as the excellent medical and support staff at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the Swedish Hospital. It truly was answered prayer for my family, my friends and me."
Richard Riggs
Worland, Wyoming
December 1994

"When word finally came we had a week to put our affairs in order and prepare for a trip to Seattle. I will never ever forget the unbearable despair I felt at leaving my children to travel across the country into the unknown. I could not, would not, believe there was a possibility I would never see them again. The rest is history. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center made that history possible. My testimony to life is my husband and children. My most sincere gratitude for that life goes to my exceptional oncologist, Dr. Frances Breen, Jr., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and its incredible physicians, nursing and support staff, which I couldn't have survived without. Also, my brother and my faith that God knew I was not yet done with the life He had assigned to me."
Sandra Rademacher
Bay City, Michigan
September 1984

"I think back to that time of uncertainty, of unknown, then to the hope of a bone marrow transplant with the hope came special people and a new life: Sharon, who guided and encouraged me in the right direction, David, my brother, the bone marrow donor, he gave unselfishly to me a part of himself, the overwhelming support of my Mom, brothers and sisters, family and friends, the skill and the knowledge of the many doctors and support staff at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and Cindy, who as friend and primary nurse helped me make it through the difficult transplant procedure. My faith in God and the many prayers offered for my benefit were the difference in my recovery."
Joseph Lanclos
Salem, Oregon
January 1993

"My illness was a sleeping giant…I have continuing health problems from all the treatment, but I am very thankful to all those involved in the miracle that cured me of my terminal illness. I would not be alive today if it was not for the work of many caring individuals and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center."
Gloria Barnes
Federal Way, Washington
June 1992

"For over 12 lengthy years, I searched for a bone marrow donor worldwide. I had no siblings…. As I celebrate my 23rd year since diagnosis and nine-year anniversary since the transplant, I reflect upon my survival. Twenty-three years ago, I did not know if G-d would grant me another day, much less 23 more years to my life! G-d renews my life daily. Every day is a blessing, an accent on life."
Sharon Lichtenthal
Brooklyn, New York
May 1991

"I owe my life and future to the Hutch. Not a day goes by when I don't think of something from my time in Seattle. Many of those things that were so unpleasant have drifted to the back while now I remember the love that was shown to me by people who came into my life at such an unpleasant time. I keep photos of Dr. Thomas and Dr. Hickman on my wall. I am so grateful that people at the Hutch have dedicated their lives and energy to give others and me another chance to live. After 16 years, I would like to again thank the folks at the Hutch for giving me back my life, and allowing me to enjoy the people that surround me day after day."
Gale Raspen
Trevose, Pennsylvania
August 1983

"My friend in Europe recommended I have a bone marrow transplant at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle in order to recover completely since I was so ill, and at great risk for dying…Today, I express my thanks, again, to all for their help and encouragement. How lucky and happy I am."
Keiji Aoki
Hamurashi, Tokyo
January 1983

"I would probably have never done so much had my life not been threatened by the imminent death. Through this ordeal I have learned to face turmoil and misfortune with little fear, but much faith in myself and the kindness and love of others. Everyday is a bonus to me now and not knowing what is ahead is where the wisdom of life lies."
Shou-Fang Hu-Moore
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
October 1979

"The hard part of my illness was telling my children. I knew I would survive, but I had to prepare them that I might not. They, and a lot of family friends, helped me get through the tough times. I learned about support systems, and how to take it one day at a time. I thank God for my doctor, Fred Hutch, and my family."
Maureen Fusco
Providence, Rhode Island
January 1988

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