UH’s Gaddis honored for donation

Hawaii women’s basketball junior guard Courtney Gaddis was recognized by Mayor Peter Carlisle yesterday for her donation of bone marrow to a 4-year-old boy in the fall.

Carlisle presented her with the Award of Recognition in a ceremony at Honolulu Hale in front of her family, friends and the UH basketball coaches.

Gaddis, a pre-med major, registered with the National Bone Marrow Registry two years ago and was called upon as a possible match in July. Gaddis, of diverse ancestry, was a perfect fit. With the blessing of head coach Dana Takahara-Dias, she donated the marrow in October, just as UH basketball practices began. Gaddis, a Kalani High graduate, recovered quickly and has appeared in seven games with 11 points this season.

The latest update of the transplant recipient was encouraging; the boy was able to return home from the hospital for Christmas.