Nebraska and Michigan unite to honor lifesaving bone marrow match at midfield

During halftime at the Nebraska-Michigan football game on Saturday, more than 85,000 fans at Memorial Stadium briefly paused their thunderous roar for a moment of hope, healing and connection.

The recognition, held on World Marrow Donor Day in partnership with NMDP, formerly the National Marrow Donor Program, celebrated Julia Morrison - a young girl from Lincoln whose life was saved by a bone marrow transplant. The honor also included 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 the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).

At just five years old, Julia was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia, a rare condition that prevents the body from producing enough new blood cells. A transplant quickly became her best hope for survival.

"We were ready to move our family halfway across the country - even for just a 1% probability of a better outcome," said Tyler Morrison, Julia's father. "But time and time again, we were told that the best care Julia could get was just an hour away at Nebraska Medicine."

The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center's bone and marrow transplant program is internationally recognized for breakthroughs in bone marrow transplantation. But even with world-class care, success still depends on finding a compatible donor.

"All it takes is one person - one swab - to change a life," said Jennifer Morrison, Julia's mother. "Julia is living proof of that."

That "one person" for Julia was Dr. Erica Brockberg, who joined the NMDP Registry as a medical student at the University of Michigan. Seven years later, she got the call: she was a match.

What began as an anonymous, lifesaving act soon grew into a deeply personal connection. While donor and recipient identities are kept private for at least a year, Dr. Brockberg had always hoped to learn who had received her marrow. When NMDP reached out to ask if she was open to connecting with the recipient's family, she immediately said yes.

That's when she learned that her donation had gone to Julia - a child who had once relied on regular blood transfusions to survive. Now, Julia was a healthy and vivacious girl, thriving and enjoying life. Soon after, the Morrisons invited Dr. Brockberg to visit Nebraska. She made the trip with her husband and two young sons, touched by the Morrisons' warmth and the unique bond they now shared.

"From the very first moment, the Morrisons welcomed us like family," Dr. Brockberg said. "When we pulled up, Julia and her sisters had made a huge banner and we just all immediately hugged like we had known each other forever."

Their families now consider each other close friends - keeping in touch through FaceTime and text, sharing holidays and celebrating their life-changing bond.

"Julia is kind of like my sister, my friend, my daughter," said Dr. Brockberg. "She's just this very special person in my life."

"Erica is an answer to our prayers. She's a hero," Julia said.

Jennifer Morrison hopes others will be inspired to take that first step.

"You don't know who's out there going through something terrible - hoping, praying, looking for that answer," she said. "And that answer could be someone who just decided to swab."

In the stands at University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Memorial Stadium - and beyond - anyone could be the match that saves a life. Staff and volunteers from NMDP helped fans take the first step toward joining the Registry outside of Memorial Stadium before kickoff. Registering a small act with life-changing potential.

"This moment reflects the very best of what our university stands for: world-class care, compassion and the power of human connection," said Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, president of the University of Nebraska System. "Through groundbreaking work at Nebraska Medicine and UNMC, and through individuals like Dr. Brockberg who step forward in service of others, we're reminded of the extraordinary impact that comes when science and humanity come together. We're honored to be part of Julia's story and grateful to all who make second chances possible."

"When NMDP called and said I was the only match for Julia - it was a no-brainer," said Dr. Brockberg. "The donation process was easier than I expected, and the experience was more meaningful than I ever could have imagined. Knowing Julia now is the most incredible part. It's not often you get a chance to save a life. If called again, I'd do it in a heartbeat."

Thousands of patients are still waiting for a match. With just a few minutes and a cheek swab, anyone ages 18 to 40 can join the NMDP Registry - and give someone a second chance at life.

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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