The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Marion Koerper on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, following a courageous battle with glioblastoma. A pioneering figure in hemophilia treatment, Dr. Koerper's impact on the bleeding disorders community will be felt for generations to come.
Throughout her distinguished career, which began with her undergraduate studies at Stanford University and medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), Dr. Koerper demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing care for individuals with bleeding disorders. As a professor emerita of pediatric hematology at UCSF and founder of the UCSF Hemophilia Treatment Center, she helped shape the landscape of comprehensive care that we know today.
Working alongside Dr. Shelby Dietrich, she championed the implementation of team-based comprehensive care in hemophilia clinics. Her influence extended far beyond UCSF through her extensive collaboration with the National Hemophilia Foundation and the World Federation of Hemophilia, where she contributed to global initiatives improving care for people with bleeding disorders worldwide.
One of Dr. Koerper's most enduring legacies is Camp Hemotion, which she co-founded in 1978 with Susan Karp, RN. For over three decades, she dedicated herself to staffing the camp's infirmary, ensuring that children with hemophilia could safely experience the joys of summer camp while receiving expert care. Her presence at camp was transformative – she created an environment where medical care and childhood adventure could seamlessly coexist.
During the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, Dr. Koerper's leadership proved invaluable to our community. As the hemophilia community faced unprecedented challenges, she provided steadfast support and guidance, serving as a crucial leader of the Hemophilia Foundation of Northern California (HFNC) during this difficult period.
The bleeding disorders community recognized Dr. Koerper's extraordinary contributions with numerous honors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Hemophilia Foundation, now known as the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF). Her research and publications have advanced our understanding of bleeding disorders and continue to influence treatment approaches today.
Service Information
Services will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM in the chapel at Home of Peace Cemetery, 1299 El Camino Real, Colma, California, followed by interment at the mausoleum at Salem Memorial Park.
Dr. Koerper is survived by her husband, Dr. Bob Blumberg, their two sons, and two grandsons.
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Koerper's memory may be made to the Hemophilia Foundation of Northern California (HFNC) Camp Hemotion Scholarship Fund, ensuring that her legacy of providing care and support to children with hemophilia continues for generations to come. Donate Here
NBDF extends our deepest condolences to Dr. Koerper's family, colleagues, and the countless individuals whose lives she touched throughout her remarkable career. We remain forever grateful for her tremendous contributions to our community.
This NBDF news feature was created from a tribute that was lovingly shared by Randy Curtis, President of HFNC. NBDF is eternally grateful for Dr. Koerper's friendship and contributions to the bleeding disorders community.
Written by: Kyla Clark, Public Relations, Marketing and Communications at NBDF