Fencer Diagnosed With Leukemia

Just a few months ago, senior foilist Sam Cross was tearing up the Ivy League for Harvard. But over the semester break, Cross was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia, a rapid-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow that is normally found in older adults.

Cross, who was part of a Harvard team that won the Ivy League Championships and the National Championship last year, had an All-Ivy season and helped to secure the Crimson's position at the top of the standings. Cross was a captain heading into this season, and without him, Harvard only has two foilists in the top eight.

After learning of his disease, Harvard and the Ivy League fencing community have taken steps to help Cross.

Last Thursday, representatives from The Marrow Foundation were present at Harvard to educate students about becoming potential donors, as well as to screen any volunteers.

Although Cross has already begun chemotherapy treatment, a bone marrow transplant is critical in increasing his chances of recovery.

The Columbia fencing team has already taken steps to help find Cross a donor.

"The team's been asking everyone to do it," said sophomore epeeist Lorenzo Casertano. "We've gotten a bunch of e-mails from our captains about setting up a fund and about how to donate bone marrow."

If you would like more information about becoming a bone marrow donor, please visit the National Marrow Donor Program at

www.marrow.org.