After celebrating his 75th birthday and receiving his second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, David Klein, and his wife Jan, felt a sense of normalcy returning to their lives. Having always been active volunteering in their community and spending their free time traveling, they were looking forward to resuming some of their normal activities. However, on March 30, 2021, David received a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which starts in the bone marrow, but can quickly spread to the blood.
Thankfully, David was found to be an excellent candidate for a clinical trial at Smilow Cancer Hospital and underwent treatment with two chemotherapy drugs with an additional treatment of immunotherapy. During his treatment, he required multiple blood transfusions. Eventually, he was able to receive a stem cell transplant under the care of Stuart Seropian, MD, Professor of Internal Medicine (Hematology), Acting Director, Stem Cell Transplantation, and Co-Director, Adult CAR T-Cell Therapy Program, and found himself in isolation for 100 days while his immune system recovered.
Because of David’s experience, and realizing the need for blood donation firsthand, he and his wife Jan have become advocates for blood donation and have convinced many family members and friends to participate. With a desire to support David, the Kleins’ Hartford neighborhood and the West End Civic Association, where David was a long-time treasurer, are hosting a blood drive in his honor on Sunday, April 3rd from 8 am to 1 pm. The event will be held at the Noah Webster Microsociety Magnet School in Hartford, CT. To register, please visit the American Red Cross website.