We love when Massey Cancer drops us their annual stewardship report. In their 2021 report, they broke down how The Jamie Hess Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Fund advanced cancer research and clinical trials for pediatric bone marrow transplant and other cellular immunotherapy transplant patients. We were excited to see trials with the National Marrow Donor Program registry and related to COVID. Local oncologists and researchers can do these trials because of donations you made to the Jamie Hess Fund.
Jamie Hess’ parents established the fund after Jamie died from leukemia in 2002. The Hess family partnered with Connor’s Heroes in 2007. Pediatric patients isolated on the adult BMT Unit received comfort and support for their unique situations.
When the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU opens its state-of-the-art inpatient facility in 2023, pediatric BMT patients will FINALLY be treated with other pediatric patients. Medical staff will prepare transplant supplies on site in a space lovingly named The Jamie Hess Bone Marrow Transplant Lab. The Hess Lab is one of five rooms where Connor’s Heroes can be there with a family when they are treated in the new Wonder Tower.
