When Dr. Patricia Weitsman received a diagnosis of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), she was shocked.  “You don’t expect it from someone who’s young and active,” Patricia stated. “Active,” however, is an understatement. The University Professor is not only Chair of the International  Security Studies Section of the International Studies Association; she is also a mother of two, a published writer, and teacher of fitness classes.

Even though Patricia felt sick for a long time, her ailment went undiagnosed.  After a bone marrow biopsy, Patricia’s hematologist confirmed her diagnosis of MDS and she began treatment two weeks later.  As part of her treatment, Patricia was informed that she would need a bone marrow transplant.  All three of Patricia’s sisters were tested as potential donors; however, she was ultimately forced to turn to the public registry and rely on a complete stranger to give her a second chance at life.  

Patricia’s doctors found her perfect donor, a 26 year old male, through Gift of Life’s registry.  “He is an incredible man,” she remarked.  Though her journey was not easy, Patricia always remained in good spirits.  Her ability to stay positive through her illness is explained through her outlook on life, “when you have a very clear goal that you need to survive a challenge, you just do it.” However, she was quick to point out that MDS is, “a very different kind of challenge.”

This fall, Patricia returned to her teaching position at Ohio University.  She kicked off the school year with a lecture for the campus community titled “The Gift of a Second Life:  The Transplant Experience.”  During the lecture, Patricia shared her story of survival.  Also on hand was Dr. William Blum, a member of the Bone Marrow Transplant team at the Ohio State Medical center, who was Patricia’s primary care hematologist.  She is looking forward to continuing to share her experience and become more involved with efforts on OU’s campus to educate and recruit donors for Gift of Life’s international registry.

Patricia said, “It has been a remarkable journey in so many ways. I got a second chance at life because of Gift of Life.  My donor, along with Gift of Life, has taught me to believe in miracles and the magnitude of gratitude one can experience.”