The Pogust Family Presents
3rd Annual Daniel B. Allanoff Memorial Concert Honoree
Andrew B. Katz

Andy was diagnosed with leukemia in early 2012 and underwent a bone-marrow transplant – the only possible cure to his type of the disease -- that fall. He appeared to be regaining his health, when the leukemia returned the following spring. In a risky, but only-chance move, Andy received a donor leukocyte infusion – a sort of transplant booster – in September, 2013. While he fell desperately ill following the procedure, he embarked on a surprising and remarkable recovery that pushed the cancer, once again, into remission. Andy remains in remission, but his health continues to be compromised by the impact of multiple rounds of massive chemotherapy, full-body radiation, and graft-versus host disease, a transplant-rejection syndrome that can attack all parts of the body. Still, over these past four years, Andy has demonstrated astonishing willpower, unshakable optimism, and an abiding appreciation for everyone on his team, not only family and friends, but so many dedicated medical professionals, too. From the start, Andy’s family and friends vaulted into action, providing much-needed support for his wife, Debbie, and their sons, Aaron and Daniel, especially over the many, many months Andy was hospitalized or required extra care at home. Andy’s circle has also come together to fight back and give back by, among other efforts, organizing a bone-marrow-donor registry drive and fundraising for various nonprofits involved in the battle against blood cancers. Last year, Debbie and Aaron participated in the Broad Street Run to raise funds for the Daniel B. Allanoff Foundation, while Daniel baked and sold cakes with all the proceeds benefiting the group. The DBA Foundation is particularly near to their hearts, as it supports critical research being done at Penn, where Andy has been treated. The family knows firsthand the importance of finding less-toxic cancer treatments, and Andy, who himself has been involved in clinical trials, saw up close how research and innovation can lead to new, life-saving therapies. Andy and his family are proud to support the DBA Foundation and the groundbreaking work being done at Penn.

 Join us at the 3rd Annual Daniel B. Allanoff Memorial Concert Presented by The Pogust Family