^{Gene and Majel Roddenberry on the set of Star Trek}

We were saddened to learn of Majel Barrett Roddenberry’s passing from leukemia this last week. As many of you know, Ms. Roddenberry was the widow of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry. She was very involved in the +Star Trek+ phenomenon herself, so much so that she was referred to as “The First Lady of Star Trek ”. She portrayed Nurse Christine Chapel in the original Star Trek series, Lwaxana Troi in The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine, and finally the voice of the ship’s computer in many of the series.

More than 230,000 people in the United States are living with leukemia, a cancer of the bone marrow and blood. There are four major types of leukemia: acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Anyone can get leukemia, but the good news is that the five-year survival rate nearly quadrupled in the past 48 years for patients with leukemia. Learn more facts about leukemia by downloading or ordering a free copy of Facts 2008-2009.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) offers our condolences to Ms. Roddenberry’s family, friends and fans. Since quite a few of us are fans of hers as well, we found a nice video tribute to her on YouTube – take a look and enjoy.

Are you a fan of Majel Roddenberry? Share your favorite memories or condolences in the comments section below.

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Consider making a memorial donation in honor of Majel Roddenberry to LLS so we can continue the fight against leukemia and other blood cancers in 2009 and beyond. It's tax deductible, and you can submit it online or through the mail.