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SL1 Mississippi Braves

M-Braves Donate $25,000 to UMMC

June 19, 2009 - Southern League (SL1)
Mississippi Braves News Release


Pearl, MS - The Mississippi Braves have pledged $25,000 to the University of Mississippi Medical Center for the "Be a Brave" Room in the hospital's Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. A formal check presentation will take place during pregame ceremonies on the field at Trustmark Park on June 25th when the M-Braves take on the Birmingham Barons.

Mississippi Braves General Manager Steve DeSalvo will present a $25,000 check for the "Be a Brave" Room to Dr. Joe Files, Medical Director of the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The donation will provide funds to renovate the unit's existing playroom for pediatric patients and provide an area especially for teen patients to enjoy music and computer or video games.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is the only hospital in Mississippi that performs bone marrow transplants and has performed over 580 such procedures. These transplants are often life-saving treatment for patients with blood and bone cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and sickle cell anemia. The Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, opened in 2002, provides a safe, specially designed environment for patients whose immune systems have been temporarily destroyed by intensive chemotherapy or radiation. The unit provides treatment for both adult and pediatric patients. According to Pam Farris, Nurse Manager of the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, "Patients, families and visitors to the BMT Unit can expect exceptional quality care."

Patients who undergo bone marrow transplants must be isolated for several weeks while their immune systems recover. The "Be a Brave" Room will provide an area within the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit where children and teenagers may temporarily escape the confines of their hospital rooms and enjoy youth-oriented entertainment.

DeSalvo states, "It is an honor for us to be able to assist in the great work the doctors and staff at UMMC's Bone Marrow Transplant Unit do on a daily basis. Our players and staff have visited the children at UMMC on numerous occasions and we are always deeply affected by the people and stories that we encounter. From the patients and their families to the nurses and staff, UMMC is truly a special place. To be able to make these children's lives a little easier is a blessing for us."

Following the check presentation, transplant unit staff members and transplant survivors will release balloons in honor and memory of all transplant patients across the nation.

Mississippi Braves players and staff will visit and tour the facility on July 6th at 12 noon.

Individuals or groups that wish to join the Braves and make donations to the UMMC Bone Marrow Transplant Unit should contact Pam Farris at 601-815-1552 or send donations to:

University of MS Medical Center

Office of Development

Bone Marrow Transplant Support

2500 North State Street

Jackson, MS 39216

For further information, contact the Mississippi Braves at 601-932-8788.

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Southern League Stories from June 19, 2009


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