Dr. Robert Taylor has been involved with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the blood in Milwaukee for over 25 years.  After completing his medical school at Yale University, he trained in hematology and medical oncology at the University of Washington in Seattle where he worked with Dr. E. Donnall Thomas, a Nobel Laureate for his pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation.  He was recruited to St. Luke?s Medical Center to develop and run the bone marrow (later stem cell) transplant program.

Since the Autologous Stem Cell Unit at St. Luke?s opened, they have performed over 500 transplants, mostly for diseases of the blood including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.  The unit is the only one in the state that is dedicated to autologous transplantation and has been since its inception.  In addition to performing this clinical service they have been actively involved in research into the use of new techniques to improve the results of transplantation.

Dr. Taylor has been a supporter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for many years and the wonderful work they do with patients and families with these diseases.  He is very pleased to be able to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society this year for all the work they do with our patients and their families.  Dr. Taylor was a candidate in the inaugural 2009 Man & Woman of the Year Campaign and was named Man of the Year at the Grand Finale Gala.

Marija Bjegovich-Weidman RN MSN is a director for Aurora Health Care's Systemwide Cancer Program. She received her B.S.N. in Nursing from University of Wisconsin-Madison and her M.S.N. in Nursing Administration from Marquette University. She also was a past National Oncology Nursing Society Cerenex Leadership Fellow in psycho-oncology.

Ms. Bjegovich-Weidman has been active as a direct caregiver and program leader in cancer care for nearly 30 years. In her current role at Aurora, she provides leadership in the strategic planning and coordination for the cancer serviceline programs and services in order to provide the best care to each and every person affected or effected by cancer. She also serves as the liaison for Aurora's Cancer program for marketing, communications, physician recruitment and community outreach.

Ms. Bjegovich-Weidman has been on the LLS Board for three years and looks to serve as a successful leader in the 2011 Man & Woman of the Year Campaign.  Ms. Bjegovich-Weidman served as the Campaign Team Manager for Dr. Taylor?s campaign in 2009.

Nominating Committee Members

If you or somone you know is interested in supporting the Man & Woman of the Year campaign, please       contact Chelsea Ostrov at chelsea.ostrov@lls.org.