Natascha Knowlton, the University of Utah’s beloved Chemistry Advisor, was recently diagnosed with aplastic anemia. Her body’s T-cells attacked her bone marrow, leaving her with no blood cells. Aplastic anemia is often caused by some external trigger–for Tascha, this was the pregnancy of her son. For the past 8 months, she has been dependent on red blood cell and platelet transfusions. For many patients, including Tascha, a bone marrow transplant (BMT) is the only way to cure this disease.

Fortunately, Tascha has found a match for her BMT, but many others on the waiting list are not so lucky; over 3,000 people die each year because they cannot find a matching donor. BMT’s not only cure aplastic anemia, but many blood cancers. Please join us and sign up for the bone marrow donor registry to show support for Tascha and give hope to all patients in need of a bone marrow transplant.

Donations can be made to Tascha and her family directly during this difficult time via her Venmo, @Tascha-Knowlton.