Warren Sallach, 59, received a stem cell transplant at Texas Transplant Institute's Adult Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplant Program in San Antonio, Texas in November, 2009. Thanks to the generosity of Matt Hoffman, a Rowan University linesman who skipped the final game of the year to prepare to donate his stem cells, Mr. Sallach is alive today to spend another Christmas with his family.
Dr. Charles Frederick LeMaistre, Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplant Physician, and Medical Director, Texas Transplant Physician Group, says Matt's phenomenal immune system is responsible for Mr. Sallach good outcome. "His lymphoma was very aggressive and resistant to chemotherapy. Even the large doses of chemotherapy given in preparation for the transplant failed to eradicate the cancer. As long as 100 days after his transplant, there was evidence of cancer. That's usually a sign that a patient might not do well, but we were able to manipulate his immune system that was transferred along with Matt's marrow stem cells and get him into remission," says Dr. LeMaistre.
To learn more about Matt Hoffman's and Warren Sallach's recent heartwarming reunion, check out these links:
CBS News: The American Spirit-;Football Player Donates Stem cells, Saves Life
The New York Times: Lineman Steps out of the Trenches to Save a Stranger's Life
Mr. Sallach was able to get a perfect match for his transplant thanks to a Be the Match drive led by the Rowan football team. Unfortunately, minorities who need blood and marrow stem cell transplants aren't always as lucky because of the desperate shortage of minority donors. Click on the link to learn how you can join the registry.