Dennis Robinson

Springfield, Ohio — In January 2009, Dennis Robinson learned that he was suffering from Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a blood disease that requires a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. One year later, members of the Wittenberg University community, who benefit from Robinson's tireless work as an assistant track and field coach, are rallying in support.

Wittenberg will host a bone marrow and stem cell transplant registry drive from 4:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, in the Benham-Pence Student Center. The drive will support efforts to identify possible donors with a simple swab on the cheek by a trained professional. A similar event took place on Dec. 6, 2009, at Robinson's church, Wayman AME Chapel in Dayton.

While 7 million potential donors are currently in a national registry list maintained by Be The Match Registry, the complication for Robinson is that just 8 percent of them are black. Other minority groups have even lower numbers. Donors and recipients must be of the same race or ethnicity.

A graduate of Central State University, Robinson joined Wittenberg's coaching staff in 2004 after teaching and coaching in the Dayton Public School District for 17 years. During his coaching career at Meadowdale High School, Robinson led dozens of athletes to outstanding individual finishes in the state track meet, with a best team finish of third in 2001.

Robinson earned Coach of the Year honors from the Southwestern Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches in 1977 for his work leading the Jefferson Township High School boys' team to the AA state championship. He went on to serve as head coach of the All-Ohio Boys' Track and Field team in 2001, earn recognition in Who's Who Among America's Teachers in 2000 and earn the Ohio High School Athletic Association's Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Award in 2002.

The bone marrow and stem cell transplant surgery registry drive is open to anyone. For more information, contact Director of Multicultural Programs Forest Wortham at (937) 327-7800 or via e-mail.

Written by: Ryan Maurer

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