Project 44 Information

MISSION: To save lives through awareness, education and advocacy for the bone marrow and blood stem cell registry. VISION: To cultivate a society where every individual needing a bone marrow or blood stem cell transplant has a match and a fighting chance at life. OUR INSPIRATION: Launched in 2016, Project 44 was created in honor of the late Andrew Smith. Wearing the #44, Andrew was a beloved, standout member of Butler’s two-time NCAA Finals basketball team. Having been a personal recipient of a bone marrow transplant in November of 2015, Andrew and his wife Samantha were blessed with an additional three months together that would go on to shape his legacy well beyond Andrew’s final days on earth. On January 12, 2016, at the age of 25, Andrew passed away following a two-year battle with cancer. Committed to carrying out Andrew's selfless work, Project 44 incorporated as a 501(c)3 in 2018, and is now an official partner of the State of Indiana Department of Health, charged with advocating and raising awareness for the bone marrow registry.