More than a game: Nebraska and Michigan to spotlight lifesaving bone marrow connection during halftime recognition

When the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Michigan Wolverines meet on the football field this Saturday, they'll be united by more than Big Ten pride. During halftime at Memorial Stadium, fans will witness an extraordinary story of hope, healing and the power of one person to save another.

On World Marrow Donor Day, and in partnership with NMDP, formerly the National Marrow Donor Program, a special halftime moment will honor Julia Morrison, a young girl from Lincoln whose life was saved by a bone marrow transplant. The recognition will also include her donor, Dr. Erica Brockberg, an OB-GYN from Michigan, along with the expert bone and marrow transplant care team from the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center at Nebraska Medicine, the clinical partner of University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).

Julia, now a thriving fourth grader, was matched with Dr. Brockberg, who joined the bone marrow donor Registry while attending the University of Michigan. Their families will be celebrated during a special halftime recognition showcasing the impact of medical teams, donor generosity and the ongoing need for life-saving matches.

"This Nebraska-Michigan connection is about so much more than the final score. It's about raising awareness, celebrating a life saved and hopefully inspiring someone else to be a match," said Jennifer Morrison, Julia's mother.

"The recognition on Saturday is really a celebration of our victories-not only in competition on the football field, but in patient care," said Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, president of the University of Nebraska System. "We are honored to share this powerful moment with another world-class institution, the University of Michigan, and our valued partners at the National Marrow Donor Program who make these lifesaving connections possible."

The halftime recognition will include Julia, Dr. Brockberg, and four members of Julia's transplant team.

Team members from NMDP will host a cheek swab drive outside Memorial Stadium from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Students, staff, faculty and fans between the ages of 18 and 40 who are in relatively good health can register as potential donors on Stadium Drive outside the west side of the stadium.

To learn more or join the Registry, visit go.nmdp.org/nebraska.

About the University of Nebraska

The University of Nebraska is the state's only public university system, made up of four campuses - UNL, UNO, UNK and UNMC - each with a distinct role and mission. Together the campuses enroll nearly 50,000 students and employ 16,000 faculty and staff who serve the state, nation and world through education, research and outreach. For more information and news from the University of Nebraska, visit https://www.nebraska.edu/news.

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