# Bridging Research and Reality with Meredith Cowden: Understanding the Impact of Chronic GVHD on Patients and Caregivers > This month’s special call-in program will feature Meredith Cowden, a longtime survivor who still experiences chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease (cGVHD). Meredith will share her personal journey as well as summarize a recent study she co-authored, along with an impressive group of doctors and clinicians in the cGVHD space. The study is featured in an article, “Impact of Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease on Patient and Caregiver Experiences in the United States: A Retrospective Social Media Analysis.” This analysis used social media listening to analyze more than 12,000 posts from patients and caregivers living with chronic GVHD — capturing the kind of unfiltered, realworld experience that clinical trials rarely reach. What emerged was both validating and sobering—there were four themes that rose to the surface and Meredith will share all of this, including the profound physical, mental, and emotional burden of the disease. The noteworthy impact on caregivers will also be shared. Jennifer Gillette, our licensed staff social worker, will host this call. There will be plenty of time for live questions. - **URL:** https://www.nbmtlink.org/bridging-research-and-reality-with-meredith-cowden-understanding-the-impact-of-chronic-gvhd-on-patients-and-caregivers/ - **Author:** Joe Kiwior - **Published:** 2026-08-19 - **Modified:** 2026-08-24 --- August 19, 2026 UPCOMING: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 Noon to 1 pm EST # Bridging Research and Reality with Meredith Cowden: Understanding the Impact of Chronic GVHD on Patients and Caregivers [To Register, Please Click Here](https://pburkhard.wufoo.com/forms/z1x2krfs0ic3y50/) ![Lunch and Learn Logo](https://www.nbmtlink.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Lunch-and-Learn_Logo-qklgrdsht4u6tlbh19edi7vokt1wiozi3tqd9pgu6e.png "Lunch-and-Learn_Logo") **Helpful Links** ASTCT Journal Article:  **[Impact of Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease on Patient and Caregiver Experiences in the United States: A Retrospective Social Media Analysis](https://www.astctjournal.org/article/S2666-6367(26)00344-1/fulltext)** [View Transcript (opens in a new window)](https://www.nbmtlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Transcript-nbmtLINK-2026-08-19-Meredith-Cowden-Impact-of-Chronic-Graft-versus-Host-Disease-on-Patient-and-Caregiver-Experiences-in-the-US-A-Retrospective-Social-Media-Analysis-CID-6168528.pdf) _We’ve done our best to accurately capture and share information presented from our healthcare professional presentations. However, this transcript is meant for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We encourage you to use this information as a helpful conversation tool with your healthcare provider and care team to determine what is appropriate for your personal health situation._ This month’s special call-in program will feature Meredith Cowden, a longtime survivor who still experiences chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease (cGVHD). Meredith will share her personal journey as well as summarize a recent study she co-authored, along with an impressive group of doctors and clinicians in the cGVHD space. The study is featured in an article, “Impact of Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease on Patient and Caregiver Experiences in the United States: A Retrospective Social Media Analysis.” This analysis used social media listening to analyze more than 12,000 posts from patients and caregivers living with chronic GVHD — capturing the kind of unfiltered, realworld experience that clinical trials rarely reach. What emerged was both validating and sobering—there were four themes that rose to the surface and Meredith will share all of this, including the profound physical, mental, and emotional burden of the disease. The noteworthy impact on caregivers will also be shared. Jennifer Gillette, our licensed staff social worker, will host this call. There will be plenty of time for live questions. If you have any technical issues related to registering, please email [peggyburkhard@nbmtlink.org](mailto:peggyburkhard@nbmtlink.org)or call (248) 770-5172. The call-in information is contained in the form you use to register. Note: You call in to participate. (We do not call you.) **This FREE program is intended to provide psychosocial and emotional support along with health information from national experts regarding critical topics surrounding cancer and treatments.** [Download Gregory Proctor Notes Here](https://www.nbmtlink.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Gregory-Proctor-Financial-Considerations-Talking-Points.pdf) **SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:** - Blood Cancer United - Incyte - Mesoblast - Sanofi **We acknowledge and thank the following Link Partners for their ongoing support.** **Platinum Level Link Partners** - Blood Marrow Transplant Program at Northside Hospital **Gold Level Link Partners** - American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) - Blood Cancer United - Corewell Health - Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center - Fred Hutch Cancer Center - Incyte - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - Moffitt Cancer Center - Oregon Health & Science University Knight Cancer Center - Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center - Sanofi - Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Program, John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center - University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center - Westmead Blood Transplant and Cell Therapies Program, Sydney, Australia **Silver Level Link Partners** - Center for International Blood & Marrow Transplant Research - DKMS - Henry Ford Health – Cancer - Mayo Clinic Transplant Center - Meredith A. Cowden Foundation - Nebraska Medicine - UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center - Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center --- _Source: [National Bone Marrow Transplant LINK (nbmtLINK)](https://www.nbmtlink.org)_ _Generated: 2026-10-14 23:47:33_