Michael Rubin

A 'Medical Miracle'

As a college sophomore in 1982, Michael Rubin was diagnosed with myelodysplasia, a potentially fatal blood disorder. Five years later, his condition became acute leukemia.

"When you're that young, you have a feeling that you are immortal. You don't worry about your health, you think about who you are and what you want to do with your life," Michael said. "Hearing that I could die was a terrible shock."

But in 1987, Michael experienced what he calls "the first medical miracle" of his life. He received a bone-marrow transplant at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, which started him on the road to recovery.

Thirteen years later, he and his wife, Sharon, celebrated medical miracle number two: the birth of their daughter, Mallory, who is now seven.

Today, Michael is working to bring hope to other cancer patients. He raises funds for cancer research as a member of Fred Hutchinson's development team.

Michael has kind words for many of the programs offered under the umbrella of the Hutchinson Center. He participated in the Medical Oncology Survivorship Clinic and found it beneficial. He also answers his LTFU questionnaire every year, and is currently participating in a Joint, Muscle, Bone Study. "I'm honored to do it because although I won't benefit personally, it makes me feel good to be able to help our researchers improve the outlook for tomorrow's patients," he said.

"In many ways, I owe my life to the Hutchinson Center," he said. "It gives me a great deal of satisfaction to give something back."