Thanks to blood donors, Maestro continues to bring music to our ears

In 1999, The Phoenix Symphony Music Director Hermann Michael notices an “unusual stain” on his skin during rehearsals and immediately went to see his physician. Blood tests revealed that Hermann suffers from aplastic anemia, a rare blood disease that affects his body’s ability to produce blood cells. Usually fatal, he would have only survived fro about a week had his condition remained undiagnosed. Doctors aggressively treated him with chemotherapy, red blood cells and platelet transfusions everyday.

Hermann’s musicians wanted to do something to help their Maestro. They organized a “direct donation” campaign and began to donate platelets for especially for him. Hermann has responded well to treatment and has been able to decrease the frequency of his transfusions. Today, he is alive and well because unselfish friends and unanimous donors gave the gift of life. Thanks to these special people, he can still bring music to ours ears!