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Terrorist Attack AftermathNMDP Races to Deliver Donated Blood Stem CellsMINNEAPOLIS -- September 21, 2001
Several NMDP marrow and blood stem cell couriers were in the process of transporting blood stem cells when two planes hit the World Trade Center. The United States air space was closed. Molly McCormick, one the couriers, was aboard a transatlantic flight to the United States transporting the blood stem cells to an American leukemia patient. The patient was awaiting the stem cells for a life-saving transplant when the attack occurred. McCormick's flight was rerouted back to Europe. "My heart was pounding. My first thought was I needed to get the blood stem cells to the patient," McCormick said. The Minneapolis-based NMDP activated emergency systems and began racing against time to ensure the delivery of the donated blood stem cells to the many patients around the world. Meanwhile, with the assistance of a European hospital, the stem cells McCormick was transporting were cryopreserved (frozen) until commercial air travel was permitted. Blood stem cells are usually transported at room temperature within 48 hours of collection. "We were determined to safely transport the blood stem cells to the patients," said Joan Matkaiti, one of the other couriers. "I was willing to do anything, even fly jump seat on a cargo plane in order to get these stem cells to the patient in time." Instead, the NMDP chartered a private jet for all the couriers and secured clearance from the FAA for the flight. "I was relieved to finally be able to deliver the blood stem cells to the patient," McCormick said. All marrow and blood stem cells were delivered in time to the patients who needed them. "When we finally saw North America outside the plane's window, we were so relieved we wanted to kiss the ground," said Margaret McGladdery, another stranded courier, who also is six months pregnant. "Our hearts go out to all of the individuals and families who have been affected by this national tragedy," said Jeffrey W. Chell, M.D., NMDP chief executive officer. "Because of the determination of these couriers and many others, we were able to maintain all of our life-saving operations during a time of crisis. We will not let this act of terror contribute to additional loss of life. "I am proud of all NMDP Staff, Network Centers and international partners who have enabled this to happen seamlessly and without interruption. I also want to thank Paul Bastien of Northwestern Travel Management for his outstanding work, and our other corporate partners, such as Quick International Courier and Royale International Courier in helping with air and ground transportation," Dr. Chell said. A Critical Need for FundsAs a result of the terrorist attacks, there is now a critical need for funds to cover the costs of ultra-urgent flights to deliver donated marrow and blood stem cells until reliable commercial air travel resumes. Without the timely delivery of these cells, the lives of waiting patients are put in jeopardy. There is also the urgent need for funds to help with uninsured transplant-related costs that patients are incurring at this time of crisis such as unanticipated expenses caused by the disruption of our transportation systems. Any significant delay in treatment will diminish the chances of a successful transplant. The Chance to HelpIn response to these extraordinary circumstances, The Marrow Foundation®, a partner of the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), has established The Emergency Marrow Delivery and Patient Assistance Fund. The Emergency Fund was set up to ensure the timely delivery of blood stem cells and to help transplant patients survive and recover. For more information about the fund or to make a contribution, contact The Marrow Foundation at (202) 638-6601. About the NMDPThe National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) is the international leader in the facilitation of unrelated marrow and blood stem cell transplantation. The NMDP facilitates unrelated marrow and blood stem cell transplants through an extensive network of national and international affiliates. By recruiting committed donors, maintaining the largest and most diverse Registry of potential volunteer donors in the world and offering patient services, at least 140 patients receive stem cell transplants through the NMDP each month. The NMDP's Registry contains more than 4 million volunteers and is the only one that searches all three sources of stem cells available: marrow, peripheral blood and umbilical cord blood. |
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On any given day, the National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP) collects, transports or transplants at least 14 blood stem cell donations - marrow, blood stem cells and umbilical cord blood - all around the world. September 11, 2001, was no exception.
