Category Archives: Blog
By David Weinstein
David Weinstein shares his heart, grit, soul and bone marrow transplant journey with us as we roll out this seven part series. Get cozy and ready to meet David.
By: Bridget Casey
Two transplants later, surivvor and chaplain Bridget Casey gives back as a courier for Be The Match, serving in thanks for all she has been given.
By: Jennifer Gillette, LMSW of nbmtLINK
There are so many things in life that we need to be patient and wait for. When we wait for health to return, the pandemic to end or significantly improve, or when we wait for any crisis to be over, can we shift our focus to invest in the future we hope for as we try to cope with the present situation?
By: Anna Holness
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to concentrate all of your energy on getting well instead of having to deal with finances and other problems when you are ill?
By: Martha Nielsen
Martha conquered “the beast called Cancer.” Facing B-cell NHL, multiple approaches to treatment and ultimately a BMT, she contacted the nbmtLINK, especially for the peer-support program. She has celebrated over fifteen “second birthdays” and volunteers in the LINK’s peer-support program. You will be uplifted by her victory.
By: Jennifer Gillette, LMSW of the nbmtLINK
A tender topic, Jen Gillette shares the truth about sexuality post-transplant. She will make you feel less alone, comforted with ideas sure to please.
By: Juanita McReynolds
Twenty-four years as a survivor of AML, today brings Juanita gratitude, patience, compassion, and “tremendous” growth in her faith in God. Learn how she honors brother’s “incredibly generous gift” by helping others who are on a similar journey.
By Amanda Ferraro
As you read her blog, you will learn how, after the first shocking moments of the diagnosis she grabs hold and eventually defeats AML leukemia – twice! A successful BMT and a “mind over matter” attitude guided her determination. Read about her success.
By George Bailey & Jennifer Gillette LMSW
George Bailey reflects on his CAR-T cell Therapy experience for his Stage IV Follicular Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
By Nick Hudson
Nick was a perfect match for a four-year-old “toe-head” boy named Cameron who had leukemia, and needed a bone marrow transplant. I was “the match.” Cam’s transplant was successful and his parents told him he had a “blood brother.” You will enjoy learning how these “strangers” became friends.
By Jennifer Barish
The power of hope and stress reduction literally helped save this young mom and wife.
By: Karen Raman
Follow Karen’s cancer treatment journey and the multiple changes that occurred along her route. Lessons learned: you are your own best advocate; stay on top of your meds; and most important of all, keeping a positive outlook is at least fifty percent of the battle.
By: Jean C. Carroll
Discover how the support of community and extended family and a strong faith carries this young family on a seventeen-year journey into the unknown world of bone marrow transplant. There is a happy ending to their story.
By: Peter Thomason
Peter shares how he found his way to handling the different issues that accompanied his post-BMT challenges. His discovery of Zen, a Japanese word for “meditation,” brought a sense of peace to his living each day as a cancer survivor.
By: Jennifer Gillette and Lola Reich
Photopheresis is a wonderful option for transplant patients. Lola Reich answers Jen Gillette’s questions.
By: Maureen Sonntag
A beloved fourth grade substitute teacher and a mother’s struggle with cancer opens the door to Maureen’s commitment to one day donating bone marrow for a stranger’s transplant … right place, right time, strong faith and a fond memory of Mrs. O’Reilly.
Lewis & Merle Christie
Lewis and his wife, Merle tackled his AML diagnosis together. Read their story of being “recalled to life” more than once by transplants, the support of family, friends, and medical personnel; and their sheer determination that Lewis would survive … period!
By: Michael Ansley
Read Mike’s story about how the term he learned in his Navy career, “embracing the suck,” became the mantra that guided his approach to handling GvHD and ultimately defeating leukemia. In the process, he gained perspective on what is truly important: God, Family & Friends … everything else is “just stuff!”
By: Roy Proctor
“Deliberately” developing a positive, even “joyful” frame of mind can make all the difference in one’s approach to the experience of cancer. Read about how Roy used these mind-sets to deal with the effects of BMT and how it altered his life.
By: Stacey Town
On September 6, 1996, Stacey was “born again” … it was her second birthday. After a year and a half, her AML had returned. Discover how she courageously tackled multiple set-backs on her way to a bone marrow transplant that saved her life.
By: Laura Weinger Housley
“I can’t wait to be on your side of the fence.” Laura was speaking with an AAL survivor. A relapse a year after her initial diagnosis and treatment, a bone marrow transplant was recommended. Today, she is a committed volunteer, helping other cancer survivors. Learn how giving back is its own reward.
By: Rob Minton
No one makes the transplant journey alone. Rob’s experience began with his closest companion, his wife Sharon. Other “anchors” who accompanied him on his multi-year trip that began in 2012 included doctors, nurses, medical technicians, friends and family members who kept home fires burning during his and Sharon’s long absences. Read their story and about Rob’s “blood brother” donor, Clint.
By: Greg Rose
Check out Greg’s BMT Cancer Survival Guide after his diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Excellent advice when traveling a ten-year, very bumpy road to “a normal life.”
By: Barry Stebbing
An extraordinary caregiver, Barry Stebbing wasn’t afraid to ask for help and it sure paid off.
