In Honor of Dr. Fred Noban (Fariborz Nobandegani) | September 22, 1964 – November 29, 2013

Dear Family and Friends,

As you all know, our father passed away almost two years ago due to complications following a bone marrow transplant. This tragedy has been difficult for our family, and every day we struggle with the absence of someone who provided us with love, affection, guidance, and protection. Our father was an inspiration to his friends and family and touched the lives of many people. He was loved and admired for his passion, drive, selflessness, warm heart, and terrific sense of humor. Throughout our childhood, he always reminded us to appreciate the life we had, try our hardest to reach our goals, take advantage of the opportunities we had been given, be considerate of other people, and maintain a strong relationship with our family.

In loving memory of our father, we have decided to donate a portion of the bat mitzvah gifts to Leukemia Fighters, a special Fund devoted to clinical and research projects involving malignant bone marrow diseases. All donations will be specifically allocated to help fund testing for the detection of Minimal Residual Disease (MRD), the small numbers of leukemic cells that remain in the patient during or after treatment when he/she is in remission. A single leukemic cell among millions of normal cells can cause a relapse as leukemia cells multiply uncontrollably, and the majority of patients ultimately die of relapse. Until ten years ago, the tests used to detect cancer were not sensitive enough to detect MRD. However, with recent advances in scientific knowledge and medical technology, it is now possible to conduct much more accurate tests to detect residual cancer cells after treatment. The Leukemia Program at Weill Cornell Medical College is doing extensive research to optimize testing for and targeting of MRD. It is hoped that this work will quickly lead to improved outcomes for patients with leukemia. Just as our father, Dr. Fariborz Nobandegani, was committed to saving lives, our goal is to continue his legacy by doing the same.

If you would like to make a direct donation to Leukemia Fighters, please make checks payable to “Leukemia Fighters/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.” All donations can be submitted via the following address:

Leukemia Fighters/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital 

c/o Dr. Gail J. Roboz

520 East 70th Street, Box 403

New York, NY 10021

We appreciate your generosity and support.

Sincerely,

Alexa and Ava Nobandegani