In a remarkable act of selflessness, a University of Virginia football player has contributed far beyond the football field to make a life-changing impact. Just days after a thrilling victory over a top-ranked opponent, the athlete embarked on a personal mission that could save a life.
Following the University of Virginia’s exhilarating 46-38 double-overtime win against eighth-ranked Florida State University, Robbie Engelberg, a reserve safety and special teams player, found himself in a hospital bed in the Washington area. This time, not as a patient, but as a donor, providing stem cells to a 65-year-old man suffering from myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare blood cancer.
Engelberg only knows basic details about the recipient due to privacy regulations. “I would love to get to know him,” Engelberg expressed, hopeful for a future meeting with the person his donation might help save.
Ann Henegar, executive director of the Project Life Movement organization, which co-sponsored the stem cell drive Engelberg participated in, envisions a celebratory first meeting between Engelberg and his recipient. She imagines it being as joyous as the Cavaliers’ victory celebration. “We could even do it at a football game,” Henegar suggested.
Engelberg, recognized twice on the Atlantic Coast Conference Honor Roll, is on course to graduate with a degree in media studies in May but intends to return to complete his final year of NCAA eligibility.
The opportunity to donate stem cells arose when Engelberg was contacted by the Gift of Life Marrow Registry, notifying him of a rare genetic match with the patient. Despite the rigorous demands of additional blood tests and injections during the football season, Engelberg did not hesitate, calling it a “no-brainer.”
His decision was fully supported by UVA head coach Tony Elliott, who assured Engelberg, “I completely support you,” and offered consistent encouragement throughout the donation process.
The UVA football program has a history of encouraging such altruistic acts. Between 2010 and 2015, former head coach Mike London, who personally understands the importance of donations due to his daughter’s life being saved by a bone marrow transplant, organized community drives resulting in successful donor matches from players such as Trevor Grywatch, Chris Hinkebein, and David Marrs.
Kelli Pugh, UVA’s senior associate athletics director for sports medicine, highlighted the significance of these contributions, describing them as “life-changing.” She played a crucial role in facilitating Engelberg’s donation, coordinating with medical staff and ensuring all procedures were properly managed.
On the day of the significant game against Florida State, Pugh drove Engelberg for his necessary pre-operation injections, administered by Dr. John MacKnight, in preparation for the stem cell donation.
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