Infectious laughter is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Arthur. His sense of humor was undisputed. He could find humor in almost everything which made being around him so much fun. Everyone enjoyed his company; not just for his sense of humor but because of his caring attitude and his ability to listen to others. Even after being diagnosed with aplastic anemia, he always found time to talk to caregivers and make them feel comfortable.
As principal of Intermediate School 180 in the Bronx, these attributes served him well. Ask former staff, parents and students and they will all agree he made his school a caring community and a fun place in which to learn.
He took an interest in everyone and could engage strangers in meaningful conversation because he was truly concerned for others. Nobody was immune to Arthur's gift of gab. Whether it be a child, taxi driver, store cashier or CEO of a Fortune 500 company, all had stories which he would find fascinating. His compassionate nature meant that here was no charity he could deny. Every letter demanded an answer with a donation. For these reasons, he would be so happy that a Research Fund bearing his name has been created because it would be helping others.
Arthur's large and loving family including his devoted wife, sister (who was his bone marrow donor), brother-in-law, children, nieces, nephews, cousins and more all supported him throughout his illness and continue to be advocates for aplastic anemia research. We have established the Arthur M. Kunofsky Research Fund to benefit the Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation, an organization that represents a cause very important to us. Bone marrow failure disease can strike any person, of any age, any gender, or any race, anywhere in the world. 50+ people each day are diagnosed with a bone marrow failure disease in the United States alone. Most have never heard of their disease. All are searching for answers, support and hope.