Remembering … UNMC supporter and transplant recipient David Aresty

David Aresty, a bone marrow transplant and liver transplant patient who was also a prominent supporter of UNMC, died Oct. 23 at age 56.

The second floor lounge in the Lied Transplant Center is named for Aresty and his wife, Patti, who were also among the supporters of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.

Ken Cowan, M.D., director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, called it a privilege and honor to know Aresty.

“He and Patti have been incredible supporters of the university, specifically the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center,” Dr. Cowan said.

But in addition to his financial contributions, Dr. Cowan said, Aresty served as an ambassador for the med center, “sharing his support for the university and spreading the reputation of the university around the country — how outstanding the care is, and how he’s been very grateful to be a patient here.”

The New Jersey resident, who originally came to UNMC for treatment for lymphoma, received an autologous bone marrow transplant at UNMC in 1989. He returned in 2012 for a liver transplant.

Philip Bierman, M.D., professor in the division of hematology/oncology, called Aresty a true friend of the med center.

“He was always upbeat and offered to help others; he always asked how he could help us,” Dr. Bierman said.

“He was just an incredible person,” Dr. Cowan agreed. “Great sense of humor, great personality, incredibly smart.

“He was a big supporter and proud to be part of this place.”

In 2011-12, Aresty lived in Omaha for nine months while awaiting the liver transplant.

“He spent so much time here and made so many friends and acquaintances throughout the community,” Dr. Cowan said. “Even though he lived in New Jersey, he really did become a Nebraskan.”

Funeral services will be Monday, Oct. 28, at 11 a.m. Temple Bna’i Or, 60 Overlook Road, Morristown, N.J. Memorials can be directed to the David and Patti Aresty Fund at the University of Nebraska Foundation.