Yago L. Nieto, MD, PhD
​MD Anderson Cancer Center

Yago Nieto, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Medicine at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in the Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. He is a stem-cell transplant specialist with 25 years of experience in the field. His research focus is the development of novel chemotherapy regimens for use in autologous and allogeneic transplantation for lymphomas and the introduction of novel therapeutics.

Dr. Nieto is the PI of numerous investigator-initiated clinical trials. He serves as the Co-Chairman of the Myeloma Working Group & Solid Tumor Working Group for the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR).

​Dr. Nieto has received numerous awards throughout his career including America’s Top Physician and Mentor of the Year Award at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Dr. Arthur Evensen is an alumnus of Midwestern University and recently completed his podiatric surgical residency training at Tucson VA medical center in Arizona where he has received rigorous training and extensive experience in providing comprehensive foot and ankle care with an emphasis on wound management, limb salvage, trauma, and reconstructive surgery.

Throughout his career, he has been deeply involved in clinical research, particularly exploring the use advanced wound care technologies in the management of complex wounds. His work has been widely recognized and he has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles on his innovative wound care techniques contributing to the growing body of evidence-based research in the field of podiatric medicine and wound care.

In April 2025 Dr. Arthur Evensen was recognized by the Veteran Hall of Fame Society with the 2025 Outstanding VA Employee Award, being the first podiatrist and resident to resident to receive this distinction.

In June 2025, he received his board certification in wound care from the American Board of Wound Management and started his new position at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Missouri as the Chief of Podiatric Surgery, where he will continue to pursue his passion for podiatric medicine and wound care through both clinical practice and ongoing research initiatives.

Lyla Edgington and her parents, Steve and Helen

At the young age of 7 months in 2016, Lyla was diagnosed with Hurler Syndrome (MPS Type 1). Doctors recommended an urgent stem cell transplant to stop brain damage as soon as possible. Moving quickly, Dr. Paul Orchard and his team at the University of Minnesota located a cord blood unit with a perfect 6/6 HLA match. A simple 25 minutes transfusion led to stopping the disease in its tracks. Today, Lyla is a happy and healthy young girl with tons of energy and no signs of Hurler Syndrome. She and her family are living proof of how important cord blood donation programs are around the globe.