While working as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the mid-1990's, Jack Weiss learned that a child in Los Angeles was ill and that a blood stem cell or bone marrow transplant could save her life. Jack Weiss was tested at a donor drive held for her, but he was not a match. He added his name to the national registry of prospective blood stem cell and bone marrow donors, which is used by patients around the world to search for a potential donor.
In the summer of 2002 the American Red Cross contacted Jack Weiss to tell him that he appeared to be a match for a current patient. Although he has never met the patient, Jack Weiss decided to donate his bone marrow to give the patient a second chance at life. In December 2002, Councilmember Jack Weiss donated bone marrow and returned to work at the City Council a few days later.
Thousands of people around the country are waiting for a blood stem cell or bone marrow transplant that could save their lives. Because the best donor matches are usually of the same ethnic group as the patient, donors are especially needed from African American, Asian, and other minority groups.
Click here for more information about bone marrow donation.