Tribute At Huntington Memorial Hospital

Dr. Forman said it," I got to know Judah while he was my patient, but I really got to know Judah after he passed." Tributes came from Dr. Koerner, Dr. Shriner, Judah's mentors at Huntington Memorial Hospital at today's lecture given by Dr. Forman, on Advances in Stem Cell Therapy, in Judah's memory. This is the first of an annual memorial lecture.

Dr. Koerner read Judah's application essay, which foreshadowed his skills as a physician, and clinician. The senior staff expressed their respect for Judah's compassion, and caring of his patients. At luncheon, hosted by Dr. Koerner and the staff, Dr. Shriner presented us, the family with the following

Dear Mrs. White and Family-

Each year the staff from Huntington's Phil Simon Clinic travel to Northern Tanzania to work with people suffering with HIV/AIDS. Judah knew about the project and was keen to go. I know the Africans would have loved hims as much as we did. At the end of our clinical work, we travel out to a spot on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater- our Maasai friends refer to it as the "crying spot", but it really is a place of tribute and rembrance to people who have been important in our lives. To the north is the great rift valley of East Africa, to the south, the crater-filled with many beautiful animals. This year, in February, we stood there and cast Judah's name into the African wind. We say in Swahili, Fika Salama- safe journey.
We will never forget our special friend, Judah .-K. Shriner and the staff of the Phil Simon Clinic

Tributes

Judah will be honored next week at Huntington Memorial Hospital where he was a resident. Dr. Koerner, is hosting a luncheon and lecture. Stephen Forman, MD, director of the City of Hope, Division of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Director Clinical Research, Division of Cancer Immunotherapy and Tumor Immunology Bone Marrow transplant program, and Judah's doctor will deliver a lecture on the "Stem Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of autoimmune Disease: It is a tribute to Judah as physician and as a member of the medical team at Huntington Memorial.
Audrey and Coco are both bike riding to raise money in Judah's memory .Audry is riding to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. You can sponsor her at http://www.active.com/donate/tntnyc/tntnycAHenik1. This is her second fund raising bike ride in Judah's memory. Coco is raising funds for the Livestrong Challenge supporting the Lance Armstron Foundation's mission to inspire and empower people affected by cancer. Go to Livestrong Challenge, Nicole Rostoker. Project Judah is undergoing a major revision and new plans will soon be listed . I know Judah is smiling from where ever he is and saying"Go for It"

Passover '04 '05 '06

Judah story Passover 04 Passover 05 . The measure of the man . Judah was in the middle of his first stem cell transplant in '04. The setting was a crowded hospital room in the old Bone Marrow Transplant building at the City of Hope. Regular food was an issue for him as he couldn't tolerate most foods, and Passover posed additional restrictions. Judah was determined to keep the laws of the holiday even if it meant eating hard boiled eggs. As a transplant patient during the first 90 days all foods had to be eaten immediately upon cooking. This meant I could not bring him food from home. But as the Seder time came close the hospital staff allowed me to bring in a full Seder meal to be shared with Judah, another patient and the staff. The logistics were interesting, the nurses lounge was kashered, I brought in a hot plate, crock pot, and toaster oven, in addition to all of our kiddush cups, Seder plates and wine, grape juice . For Judah and the other patient, the grape juice was in a sealed container and luckily I found individually wrapped matzah for them, and even found charoset in a jar. At 4 pm. Judah was too weak to get out of bed, but by 6 pm, he forced himself into some clothing, and willed himself strong enough to lead the Seder. He explained the service and chanted the songs . The staff numbering almost ten people were mesmerized by service, and by Judah's strength. It came from with in, His body was just following his will power. When the time came for the meal, he excused him self and went back to his room. We completed the Seder for him at his bed side. The second night, he asked that Alissa, Benji and Grandpa just read the Hagaddah with him, as he was too ill to sit up. Last year, Judah again was facing a transplant, but was moderately well between chemo treatments Once again, he wanted to lead the Seder in the tradition set by Seymour. Every one participates and discussions about the text ensue. At the end of the Seder, Judah looked at every one and thanked each one for coming. It is a moment seared in my brain. My heart knew what I did not want to know.

This year Judah's presence was felt by his absence. Seymour's presence was felt by our loss. Alissa, Benji. Grandpa and I went to Seder's at the Zevit's and Eber's. They acknowledged the empty place in our hearts, but in true Judah and Seymour spirit made wonderful Seders.

Happy Passover

Have a good holiday season