NMDP Names Zak Rossbach:

Young Cancer Survivor For National Cancer Survivors Day

The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) names 11-year-old Zak Rossbach as the NMDP's 2000 Young Cancer survivor as part of National Cancer Survivors Day, which will be held on Sunday, June 4, 2000.

Adopted from Thailand at age 5, Zak has endured more than most kids his age. He came to America without speaking a word of English. He had little education and many neurological and developmental problems to overcome. Upon arriving in America, there were massive cultural and lifestyle changes to adjust to. Then, Zak was handed another challenge. He was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia.

To survive, Zak would need stem cells to help his body make new, healthy marrow. Stem cells are immature cells that can develop into red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Because the characteristics that determine whether a donor and patient match are inherited, the best chance of finding a matched donor is from a sibling. Since Zak is adopted, he would need an unrelated donor for his life-saving transplant. His family turned to the NMDP Registry for help. A donor was found, and Zak received his transplant in September 1998.

Today, Zak is celebrating almost two years of survivorship. Despite everything, Zak has turned out to be an extremely positive, helpful, bright and loving child with many friends. "We are so grateful to Joseph, Zak's donor. Zak has made great progress and looks forward to the future. Three years ago, Zak was so tired he had to ride piggy-back on my shoulders to watch the town's 4th of July parade. Last year, Zak was able to proudly ride his decorated bike in the kid's parade. But just looking at Zak today makes one think that, yes, miracles do happen," said Gary Rossbach, Zak's father. Zak and his family continue to encourage more people to join the NMDP Registry.

"This is a great opportunity for Zak to be recognized. Zak is truly a survivor. He is a testament to the strength and endurance of children who receive the one thing they need most: love," said Pamela Weisdorf, director of NMDP's Office of Patient Advocacy. "Zak and his family represents the NMDP's mission of saving lives. They are strong patient advocates, proving that unrelated marrow and blood stem cell transplants do save lives."