On Friday June 15th several of our honored BMT staff were invited to celebrate life with a patient who is close to our hearts. Ed Reifenberg and his wife, Joann, hosted a celebration in remembrance of Ed’s bone marrow transplant in 1998.  Ed’s wife Joann was his caregiver for his transplant.  Ed along with friends and family celebrated the last 20 years and the second chance at life his transplant continues to give him.

The party was filled with an estimated 200 friends and family whom Ed and his wife have impacted throughout their lives.  One of the highly honored guests included Ed’s brother and transplant donor. Attendants from his care team included Sandra Rudolph, Wendy Madden, Diana Tate, and Jeanie McKay. Ed and Joann are dear to our hearts on the BMT unit and it was our honor to celebrate with him.

The nurse manager of our program, Wendy Madden, shared her experience at Ed’s 20 year celebration, “He shared stories with us that helped refresh tired minds and spirits that sometimes occur working in the field of oncology. Sharing his experience helped remind us that what we do is important and all the little things make a huge splash in our patents lives. It was refreshing." Ed has continued to give back to his community.  He and his wife are dynamic members of the Montgomery community.  Ed and his wife have compassionate hearts for patients and family members who are undergoing stem cell transplants.  Together Ed and Joann started a nonprofit foundation called The BMT Angels to assist BMT patients in need.  To know the Reifenberg’s is to love them.  They bring so much joy into the hearts of those they meet and care for. Much success to the Reifenberg’s!