Media Advisory: UCSF Hosts Bone Marrow Transplant Reunion

Erick Mansilla and supporters

WHAT: To celebrate nearly a quarter-century of advances in hematology and transplantation, UCSF is holding a reunion of patients from the UCSF Medical Center who have undergone bone marrow transplants.

The event features presentations from UCSF hematology, oncology and transplant medical experts. Transplant survivors will be available for media interviews during the reunion. Additionally, Emmy-nominated actor Rob Schneider – a longtime UCSF supporter – will be present to offer words of encouragement.

The 24th annual reunion is sponsored by the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. Lunch will be provided.

WHEN: Saturday, May 19, noon to 3 p.m. Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. The speaker presentations take place from noon to 1 p.m.

WHERE: The UCSF Mission Bay Conference Center, 1675 Owens Street, San Francisco.

INTERVIEWS: Transplant survivors available for interviews include Nancy White Gamble, a Napa Valley philanthropist who was diagnosed in 2008 with a rare form of leukemia. After two intensive years of treatment, she has been in full remission. “I’m the miracle girl,’’ she says.

Another survivor available for media interviews is Erick Mansilla, a 40-year-old father of four from the Central Valley who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2009 and later underwent a successful umbilical cord transplant. A number of grassroots activities were conducted for him, including a garage sale held by a 10-year-old boy. Due to volunteer donor drives held on Mansilla’s behalf, several people who joined the donor registry last year have been called up to become donors.

CONTACT: Elizabeth Fernandez, 415-502-6397. On the day of the event, contact Kevin Eisenmann at 415-317-4203.  

Lloyd Damon, MD, Rob Schneider and Nancy Gamble at UCSF.