Battling Leukemia

Jeff Brannkarr is a West Springfield, Massachusetts EMT and firefighter. At the age of 32, and married only six months, Jeff was diagnosed with leukemia. He was told he would need a bone marrow transplant.

In May of 1999, Jeff was the focus of a bone marrow drive sponsored by the West Springfield Post Office, Police and Fire Departments. At the drive, Jeff very generously agreed to appear on a Red Cross platelet recruitment poster.

Tom Coburn of the West Springfield Record took photos of Jeff in firefighter gear. Jeff’s platelet poster went out to fire stations across the state, as well as to many other organizations, helping to recruit much needed platelet donors for patients throughout our region.

In November, Jeff underwent a successful bone marrow transplant at UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester. His wife, Theresa, came to the Springfield Donor Center to let us know how he was progressing.

Finally, on Christmas Eve, Jeff came home. Jeff still faces months of recuperation, but he’s expected to be back to his job of firefighter and emergency medical technician. Those of us at the American Red Cross in Springfield have kept tabs on Jeff’s progress, and wish him and Theresa the very best for their future.

Patient Stories