Governor Dayton Declares August 24 as University of Minnesota Blood and Marrow Transplant Day

Fifty years ago, on August 24, 1968, Dr. Robert Good performed the world's first successful bone marrow transplant between two related siblings. In honor of this medical milestone, Governor Mark Dayton has declared August 24, 2018, as University of Minnesota Blood and Marrow Transplant Day.

Since that first procedure, research into the use of blood and marrow transplants has expanded rapidly. Doctors hope to be able to expand the use of these transplants to treat an even larger array of disease and disorders.

“In the 130-year history of the University of Minnesota Medical School, this is one of our best-known firsts,” said Dean Jakub Tolar in a statement. “We continue to build on Dr. Good’s innovation and to be inspired by his commitment to helping patients.”

The University of Minnesota continues to be a pioneer and leader in the area of blood and marrow transplants. To date, the university has performed nearly 8,000 transplants which have helped patients with various forms of blood cancer and other disorders.