# About > National Bone Marrow Transplant Link, a non-profit org. providing psychosocial support and information about bone marrow transplants. - **URL:** https://www.nbmtlink.org/about-national-bone-marrow-transplant-link/ - **Author:** Peggy - **Published:** 2015-07-30 - **Modified:** 2026-09-29 --- # About Us ### What is the National Bone Marrow Transplant Link? ### _A second chance at life is our first priority_ Established in 1992, the National Bone Marrow Transplant Link (nbmtLINK) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving individuals before, during, and after a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Myra Jacobs founded the nbmtLINK in response to the plight of a woman, Sandy, living in her area. The mission of the National Bone Marrow Transplant Link is to help patients, caregivers, and families cope with the social and emotional challenges of bone marrow/stem cell transplant from diagnosis through survivorship by providing vital information and personalized support services. ![nbmtLINK Hope](https://www.nbmtlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/nbmtLINK_Hope_800x.jpg) ## Supporting the nbmtLINK ## The nbmtLINK relies on funding from individuals, foundations, and corporations to support our important programs. Tax deductible contributions are gratefully received and acknowledged. Please consider making a contribution today. [donate today](https://www.nbmtlink.org/donate-today/) ## Our Staff ![](https://www.nbmtlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/howwehelp.png) ### Peggy Burkhard Executive Director ![](https://www.nbmtlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/howwehelp.png) ### Cindy Burke Director of Finance and Operations ![](https://www.nbmtlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/howwehelp.png) ### Jennifer Gillette ### LMSW Licensed Staff Social Worker ## Our Board of Directors ![Mike Serra](https://www.nbmtlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Mike_Serra_375x455.jpg) ### Mike Serra, J.D. President  I’m a lawyer fascinated with how technology can make our world better when used proportionately, ethically, and in the best interest of humans.  I support the LINK because of its excellent leadership!  As President of the Board, I try to use my skills as a connector and advisor to promote the LINK’s important mission. ![Matthew Carpinelli](https://www.nbmtlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Carpinelli_Matthew-22_375x455.jpg) ### Matthew Carpinelli Immediate Past President — Wealth Manager for Firefighters, Business Owners & Families Proud husband of a Yoga Teacher and father of two wonderful grown daughters.  Small business owner, bad golfer, good pizza maker, lover of all things from the University of Colorado. I support the LINK because of my dad.  He had a bone marrow transplant in 2002 and had no idea what to expect.  The LINK helped him connect with new friends that had been through it.  It gave him great comfort to hear from people in a similar situation. ![Bridget Casey](https://www.nbmtlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Casey_Bridget_N_375x455B.jpg) ### Bridget N. Casey, PhD Treasurer — Two-Time Transplant Survivor Bridget is a board-certified chaplain serving in the San Francisco area.  She is a two-time bone marrow transplant recipient giving back to others through serving on the board of the LINK and being volunteer bone marrow courier for NMDP. Going through two bone marrow transplants, I encountered hurdles (emotional, medical, financial) that I successfully overcame.  I also observed the toll it took on my family and friends.  I am serving the LINK to help others going through a transplant (including pre and post-transplant) and their family members navigate through the hurdles.   ![Lewis Christie](https://www.nbmtlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/nbmtLINK_Lewis-Christie_375x455D.jpg) ### Lew Christie Survivor It has been 13 years since my diagnosis with Leukemia (AML), which I developed from being at ground zero on 09/11/01.  After 2 bone marrow transplants later in 2014, I am still here. I developed GVHD in 2015. I am thankful for the support I received during my cancer journey.  As a two time cancer survivor, I feel it is important to help others get thru their cancer journey. The LINK is the perfect way to support other survivors by peer mentoring, writing blogs or speaking at webinars or other inactive events.  ![Flora Wei Stondell](https://www.nbmtlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Flora-Stondell-2025.jpg) ### Flora Wei Stondell, F.N.P. I have worked in BMT for over 15 years and am fortunate to do so. When I am not in the clinic, I enjoy spending time with my family and finding new adventures with our 3 boys. I see transplant patients in the clinical setting, and I did not feel that it was enough. I wanted to do more for the patients and their caregivers. ![Beth Ades](https://www.nbmtlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/nbmtLINK_Beth-Ades_375x455.jpg) ### Beth Ades Survivor My name is Beth Ades and I was diagnosed with MDS in 2021, then had my bone marrow transplant on 2022 from an unrelated donor from Germany. I have been through ups and downs but it has changed the way I look at the world and celebrate life.  The Link has given me so much help and encouragement. I believe in everything the Link represents.  Very honored to be a small part of this amazing group.  ![nbmtLINK Board Member : Tom Anderson](https://www.nbmtlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Tom-Anderson.nbmt_.jpg) ### Tom Anderson Survivor My hat rack is full: husband, father, grandfather, college student, world marathon major finisher, and cancer survivor. I am guided by the idea “I will until I can’t.” And I am fully committed to supporting the cancer community. Being a cancer patient means being a part of a team. Doctors, caregivers, and family all play a vital role but just as important is access to condition-specific support, support tailored to your particular needs. I will do whatever I can for the cancer community. ![](https://www.nbmtlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Steve-Hodges_375x455.jpg) ### Steve Hodges Retired IBM, MSW, Survivor Coaching Blood Cancer patients has provided a window into the support they need. nbmtLINK serves this need beautifully. It’s my pleasure to help meet its objectives. ## Our Advisory Board ![Randee Bloom](https://www.nbmtlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Bloom_Randee_375x455.jpg) ### Randee Bloom, RN, MBA, PhD Nursing Professional, Hospital Administrator, and Consultant PhD-School of Public Service Leadership My professional career has included nursing practice, hospital administration, healthcare consulting and professional service to nonprofit organizations in healthcare and social services. I strongly support volunteer service as a practical and highly beneficial way to enrich our own lives while contributing to the benefit of others. I am married, the proud mother to three children, three in-law children, and grandmother to six! I was originally drawn to nbmtLINK when I met with our founder and first learned about our organization’s legacy. I was drawn to volunteer and support nbmtLINK after recognizing our focused support for patients, caregivers and clinicians. I have come to see this support during the journey of many patients with serious diseases potentially requiring bone marrow and stem cell transplant as benefiting from our programs, services and individual support, further strengthening my drive to continue to offer support. ![Donna Posluszny](https://www.nbmtlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Posluszny_Donna_375x455.jpg) ### Donna Posluszny, PhD, ABPP Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh SOM; Associate Director of Training, Biobehavioral Oncology Program; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center ## Statement of Equality The National Bone Marrow Transplant Link (nbmtLINK) believes in equality for all and stands together with other non-profit cancer support organizations to condemn racism and racial disparities. We are committed to addressing racism and promote diversity, equality and inclusion in cancer care and support. We will do our part each day to help create a climate of inclusion and help overcome racism and racial disparities as we strive to help patients, caregivers, health care professionals successfully navigate the often daunting and difficult cancer journey to full remission and recovery. It is our honor.  ### Thank You So Much for Your Support in 2025 39,000+ podcast downloads to date, 747,000 views on Facebook, and the launch of our Spanish language GVHD Guide. See how nbmtLINK continues to support and help patients and loved ones. Download our 2025 Impact Report. [Download Report](https://www.nbmtlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/nbmtLINK_Impact-Report_2025.pdf) [![nbmtLINK Impact Report 2025](https://www.nbmtlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/nbmtLINK_ImpactReport2025.png)](https://www.nbmtlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/nbmtLINK_Impact-Report_2025.pdf) --- _Source: [National Bone Marrow Transplant LINK (nbmtLINK)](https://www.nbmtlink.org)_ _Generated: 2026-10-12 18:07:16_