The Life-Saving Impact of Bone Marrow Transplants
**Blood cancers**, such as leukemia and bone cancer, were once considered **a death sentence**, but a revolutionary breakthrough in 1956 changed that narrative forever. The **first successful bone marrow transplant** saved a young woman’s life and opened the door to new possibilities in cancer treatment. Fast forward to today, and around **18,000 lives**—many of them **children and young adults**—are saved each year through this life-altering procedure.
In more than **70%** of cases, a patient requires a donor **outside of their immediate family**. While many transplants are successful thanks to family members or stem cells sourced from the patient’s own body, significant advances have been made. The current method, known as **peripheral blood stem cell collection**, resembles a blood transfusion, making the procedure simpler and safer.
Inspired by Gratitude: A Personal Story
A decade ago, **Wanda Zimmer**, wife of Cal State Fullerton’s **Professor of Marketing Emeritus Robert Zimmer**, received a lifeline through the **National Marrow Donor Program**. Matched with a stranger named Aaron, Wanda’s transplant was nothing short of miraculous.
“Through the selfless gift of a stranger’s stem cells, I reclaimed my future,” Wanda shared. “**I’ll be forever grateful** to my donor, Aaron, and to the program that made my survival possible.” This life-changing experience ignited a spark of compassion in Robert, compelling him to give back and help others achieve similar miracles.
CSUF Students Take Action
Determined to leverage his expertise and the power of his students, Robert Zimmer partnered with faculty and the National Marrow Donor Program to create a **unique research opportunity**. This initiative was designed to enhance the outreach efforts of the program, specifically targeting college students. By empowering the next generation of marketers, they aim to raise awareness and increase the number of registered donors, potentially saving countless lives.
The Future of Marketing and Donor Engagement
Through interactive research presentations held on May 16, CSUF marketing students demonstrated their innovative strategies to the National Marrow Donor Program. Their fresh perspectives and creative ideas are set to make a **real difference** in how the program engages with potential donors. This collaboration not only fosters a deeper understanding of marketing principles among students but also emphasizes the **profound impact effective communication** can have on saving lives.
To read more about this inspiring collaboration and the incredible work being done by the CSUF marketing students, check out the full article on **[CSUF Business News](https://business.fullerton.edu/news/story/csuf-marketing-students-help-marrow-donor-program-save-lives)**.
