Thriving After Transplant: How Occupational Therapy Helps You Get Back to Life
UPCOMING
June 17, 2026
This month’s call-in program will focus on the role of occupational therapy related to transplantation. Krysten Chadwick, OTD, OTR/L, CLT-LANA at the James, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center will share her expertise regarding the creative restoration of functional impairments due to the side effects of oncologic treatment, modification and the compensation of activities with the goal of promoting independence. As well, Karen Lord, of New Hampshire, a thriving MDS survivor will share what works for her six years posttransplant, offering inspiration and coping strategies. Jennifer Gillette, our licensed staff social worker will host this call. There will be plenty of time for live questions.
Multiple Myeloma: Immunotherapy, Sequencing and Updates
This month’s call-in program will focus on multiple myeloma. Dr. Hong De Sa of the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute in Atlanta will share the latest options available for treatment and the many innovative resources available. Dr. De Sa will talk about CAR T cellular therapy as an option for relapsed refractory multiple myeloma, exciting new immunotherapies and sequencing treatment. As well, Eva Podstata, a multiple myeloma survivor will share her story, offering inspiration, insight and coping strategies.
Lab Results Post Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant: What to Expect and Why They Are So Important
This month’s call-in Lunch & Learn program will focus on lab results post-transplant. Phyllis McKiernan, APN, MSN, OCN, Advanced Practice Nurse in the Blood and Marrow Stem Division at the John Theurer Cancer Center will cover why these tests are so important to survivorship, including how these results help to track progress posttransplant, and guide adjustments to necessary medications. Phyllis will educate us regarding the importance of monitoring chimerism studies, viral reactivation, vital organ function and much more. As well, Mendya Griffith, a survivor of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) from Augusta, Georgia will share her story and experience in understanding lab results and more
Extraordinary Resilience and Grace: Meet Teresa and Bruce Steele
This special month’s call-in program will feature Teresa and Bruce Steele of California. Teresa was diagnosed with high risk MDS and had a lifesaving stem cell transplant almost three years ago. Bruce is her husband and caregiver during her transplant. Teresa also works hard managing her GVHD. Together, they will share their incredible story—it began ten years ago with a horrible car on bicycle incident. Teresa’s ability to adapt and learn to adjust will inspire. Determined to live their best life despite unimaginable obstacles, this dynamic duo will empower listeners to reflect and grow in survivorship. Additionally, Jennifer Gillette, LMSW and our program host, will share her professional pearls of wisdom and effective coping skills. There will be plenty of time for live questions.
What to Expect Post Transplant at the One-Year, Three-Year, and Five-Year Marks
This month’s call-in program will feature Dr. Areej El-Jawahri, Co-Director, Cancer Outcomes Research and Education Program; Director of the Bone Marrow Transplant Survivorship Program and Professor of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. El-Jawahri will share valuable information regarding what survivors and their loved ones can expect post-transplant in the first several years, focusing on physical, mental, cognitive, and emotional health. Nancy Wines-DeWan, of Maine, a survivor of high risk MDS who is about three years out, will share her incredibly inspiring story and how she has no plans to slow down anytime soon.
Let’s “See” What’s New Regarding Treatments and Proactive Ocular GVHD Care
This month’s call-in program will feature Dr. Sandeep Jain, B.A Professor of Ophthalmology, Dept. of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at the University of Illinois, Chicago. Dr. Jain will share game changing proactive actions that are resulting in a significant reduction of the development of chronic ocular graft versus host disease (oGVHD). Dr. Jain will share how these better outcomes require regular follow ups at the beginning of the transplant journey. Additionally, for those chronically inflicted, Dr. Jain will share best practices, tips and ways to lessen your symptoms. Paul Altman, a survivor from Chicago, IL, will share his transplant story, what has worked for him and life today.
Let’s Dig In: Nutritional Advice as We Prepare for the Holidays Post-Transplant
This month’s call-in program will cover holiday eating—ideas for enjoying and surviving the holidays without sabotaging good habits and personal health goals post-transplant. Heather Knutson MS, RD, CSO, LD, of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, now Blood Cancer United, will share her vast expertise about foods that will provide energy while keeping you healthy and feeling less sluggish and fatigued. Heather will also focus on good nutrition as it relates to the immune system. Peter Feinberg, a survivor of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), will share what works for him and how he balances servings of healthy and joyful.
Picking up the Pieces after Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant – A Focus on Caregivers and Couples
November 19, 2025
In recognition of National Family Caregiver’s Month, November’s Lunch & Learn will focus on the adjustment to life after transplant, with a special emphasis on the perspective of the family/spouse caregiver and the impact on the couple. Michelle Bishop, PhD, a licensed psychologist and founder of Coping with Cancer & Caregiving, LLC will describe some of the challenges common after transplant as the survivor, the caregiver, and the couple adjust to the new reality of survivorship. These include learning to live with fear of recurrence, navigating physical, emotional, and role changes, and negotiating changes to lifestyle and quality of life. Sue Stanek, a caregiver to her husband Stan, who was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and received a transplant in February 2018, will share her experiences as a caregiver and best tips for how she and her husband have navigated survivorship.
Rebuilding Strength and Stamina after a Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant
This month’s call-in program will feature Courtney Bush, a Physical Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, Washington. Courtney is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American Physical Therapy Association’s Academy of Oncology Physical Therapy. Courtney works with patients receiving stem cell and bone marrow transplantation, both inpatient and outpatient. Courtney sees patients both pre- and post-transplant, helping them optimize functional mobility, independence and physical recovery. Courtney will focus on rebuilding and regaining stamina and physical challenges such as fatigue, steroid myopathy, and chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy. Laurie Perkins, a recent multiple myeloma survivor will share her story, and how she implemented physical therapy before and after transplant and how she is enjoying life today with extensive travel plans, energy, and strength.
Rebuilding and Redefining Relationships with Others and Yourself After Cancer Treatment
This month, in recognition of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month and Blood Cancer Awareness Month, our call-in program will focus on life post-transplant, specifically changing and evolving relationships with loved ones and friends. Mara Solomon, a three-time leukemia and two-time stem cell transplant survivor and author of “Third Floor Summer, A Mother’s Memoir of her Journey Battling Cancer” will share her story and experiences. As well, Angie Giallourakis PhD, parent of a four-time cancer survivor, co- founder of the Steven G. Cancer Foundation and Elephants and Tea, and volunteer parent mentor, will speak on the value of communication and mutual respect between parent and child as a means of supporting your loved one through their cancer survivorship experience. Jennifer Gillette, our licensed staff social worker and host, will give tips on coping with the emotional toll and unexpected challenges of cancer survivorship.
Sickle Cell Disease Updates
This month’s call-in program will feature Dr. Emily Limerick, Assistant Research Physician, Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, NHLBI of the National Institutes of Health who will discuss the currently available curative therapy options, including allogeneic transplant and gene therapy for sickle cell disease. Our second speaker, Genesis Jones, a resilient voice in rare disease and mental health advocacy, is a sickle cell warrior, a post-transplant survivor, and founder of Rare Resilience Alliance. Genesis will share her story and efforts to help others.
Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome (BOS): Let’s Learn More about this cGVHD Complication
This month’s call-in program will feature Melissa Baker, DNP, Adult Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program at Hackensack Meridian Health, who will educate and empower listeners about Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome (BOS). Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome is a serious, increasingly recognized complication after stem cell transplant. Affecting 5-6% of all allogeneic transplant recipients and up to 15% of those with chronic GVHD, BOS involves fibrosis of the small airways, leading to obstructive lung disease. Melissa will cover risk factors, screening, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, management, prognosis and supportive care. Meredith Cowden, a survivor from Cleveland who has dealt with chronic GVHD for more than two decades, will share her story and how she has manages BOS posttransplant. Jennifer Gillette, our licensed staff social worker, will host this call. There will be plenty of time for live questions.
Expert Tips on Navigating Finances and Insurance Before, During and After a Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant
This month’s call-in program will feature Laura Beilke, Esq., a Staff Attorney for Triage Cancer, who will educate and empower listeners to better manage their finances and avoid the financial toxicity a cancer diagnosis can bring. Laura will share her expertise regarding medical bills and debt, paying for prescriptions, finding financial help, budgeting, and the Medicare changes happening now. JR and Deb Brandt of Bozeman, Montana, will also share their story and how they have advocated for themselves and continue to juggle it all post-transplant. Jennifer Gillette, our licensed staff social worker, will host this call. There will be plenty of time for live questions.
Regaining Yourself Post Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant with a Focus on Mental and Physical Health
This month’s call-in program will focus on ways to feel like yourself after transplant. Jeannie Wiarda is a LMSW at Corewell Health BMT. Jeannie will talk about holistic recovery, focusing on strategies to improve physical and emotional health. Ellie Lenarduzzi, an AML survivor who received a transplant in March of 2024, from California, will also share her story and how she has learned to regain her life. Jennifer Gillette, our licensed staff social worker, will host this call. There will be plenty of time for live questions.
Coping with Isolation and the Unknown Post Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant
This month’s call-in program will focus on dealing with post-transplant isolation, including the timeline for doctor/clinic visits and common complications survivors can expect. Dawn Speckhart, Ph.D. Clinical Health Psychologist, Cellular Therapy and Leukemia Program at Northside Hospital will offer coping skills and strategies to manage the frustration experienced in waiting to get back to real life. As well, Kathleen Stewart, of Portland, Oregon, a long time AML survivor, will share her personal experience, coping techniques and lessons learned, offering hope and inspiration. Jennifer Gillette, our licensed staff social worker, will host this call. There will be plenty of time for live questions.
Multiple Myeloma Updates
This month’s call-in program will focus on Multiple Myeloma featuring Christy Donovan, DNP, RN and Blood Cancer Coordinator from the Blood and Marrow Transplant/ Leukemia Program at the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute. Christy will cover the benefits of a multi-disciplinary approach, the latest options available for treatment as one size does not fit all, and the many resources available. Additionally, Kenny Capps, a Multiple Myeloma survivor and founding director of Cancer Active, will share his story, including his relapse post-transplant and life today—offering inspiration, insight and coping strategies. Jennifer Gillette, our licensed staff social worker will host this call. There will be plenty of time for live questions.
Chronic GVHD Updates on Clinical Trials, Research, Coping, Preventing Flare Ups and More
This month’s call-in program featuring Dr Farhadfar, a transplant and cellular therapy physician at Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program at Methodist Hospital, San Antonio, where she also serves as the director of research. Dr. Farhadfar is a nationally recognized expert in chronic GVHD and has a distinguished career in the transplant space. She completed both her hematology fellowship at NYU/Winthrop University and a blood and marrow fellowship at Mayo Clinic. Prior to that, she joined the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville and launched the BMT Survivorship/GVHD Clinic in 2018 and served as its director. Dr. Farhadfar focuses on better understand the long-term complications of allogeneic transplant, and tests interventions to lessen the effects of complications and optimize quality of life.
Dr. Farhadfar will share updates and her expertise as it relates to what is on the horizon, research findings and how to be proactive and on the lookout when chronic GVHD shows up in multiple manifestations. Additionally, long time survivor Steve Hodges will share his story and the creative ways he copes with cGVHD. Steve’s upbeat attitude is sure to inspire listeners. Jennifer Gillette, our licensed staff social worker, will host this call. There will be plenty of time for live questions.
Finding and Cultivating Happiness Despite Loss and Cancer
This month’s call-in program will focus on how to find your way, despite great loss and life altering diagnoses. Ashlee Cramer, a widow and caregiver to her young adult son Michael knows plenty about loss, grit and resilience. Ashlee will share her personal story and how she manages it all. Ashlee is a certified Happy for No Reason Trainer (trained by Marci Shimoff herself) and has studied all about happiness and how it can be achieved even when life gets really tough. Ashlee will share and reference the book, “Happy for No Reason, 7 Steps to Being Happy from the Inside Out” written by Marci Shimoff, NY Times bestselling coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul and a featured teacher in The Secret.” Jennifer Gillette, our licensed staff social worker, will host this call. There will be plenty of time for live questions.
You Look Great, What Do You Mean You’re Tired and Still Struggling with Post Transplant Issues?
The Holidays are Approaching: Tips to Get Through it All
This month’s call-in program, featuring Michelle Bishop, PhD, Clinical Health Psychologist will focus on how survivors handle well-meaning friends and family, especially during the holiday season, who want them to get over their illness and “get back to normal.” How do you try to share how you really feel without offending those you know and love? Michelle will also share her expertise regarding fatigue, isolation and more. Janice Chabros, an acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivor, will share her story and how she manages these types of situations. Jennifer Gillette, our licensed staff social worker, will host this call. There will be plenty of time for live questions.
It’s National Marrow Awareness Month: Let’s Honor the Donors and Learn More About Saving Lives
This month’s call-in program, in recognition of November, National Marrow Awareness Month, will feature Raegan Bell, a Donor Recruitment Coordinator for DKMS from Dallas, Texas. Raegan will share her incredible altruistic donor story, her volunteer efforts with DKMS for nine years post donation and her decision to work for DKMS today. Raegan will inspire listeners with details regarding being a lifesaving donor and sharing the gift of life in 2014. Learn more about the importance of getting swabbed, being educated about becoming a donor (it is easier than you think) and the small and big ways you can give back at any age. Help us honor those who embody the essence of hope through their selfless donations, advancing stem cell and bone marrow transplantation. Jennifer Gillette, our licensed staff social worker will host this call. There will be plenty of time for live questions.
Screenings, Immunizations, Tests and Other Appointments to Remember to Schedule Before, During & After a Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Treatment
This month’s call-in program, featuring Dr. Rupin Shah of the Adult Bone Marrow & Cellular Therapy Program at Corewell Health West will focus on the importance of post-transplant health—getting up to date on immunizations, a colonoscopy, dermatology appts, prostate screenings, a mammogram, and more to stay healthy and to screen for secondary cancers caused by cancer treatment. Dental needs as well as vision screenings should be maintained, especially if GVHD is a possibility. Angela Keith, a survivor, will share her story and experiences, offering tips and inspiration. Jennifer Gillette, our licensed staff social worker will host this call. There will be plenty of time for live questions.
The Practical Needs Before, During and After Transplant with a Focus on Self Care and Self Awareness
This month’s call-in program will recognize Blood Cancer Awareness Month with a focus on the practical needs before, during and after a bone marrow/stem cell transplant. This conversation will be helpful to both survivors and caregivers. Julie Larson, LCSW a psychotherapist and speaker-educator who has spent the entirety of her career working with survivors and family members will join us to share strategies for sharpening self-awareness, normalizing the understandable stressors felt along the way and tips for finding calm and clarity. Stephenie Perry, a survivor of Hodgkin lymphoma, who underwent both an auto and allogeneic transplant will share her story and best tips. Jennifer Gillette, our licensed staff social worker, will host this call. There will be plenty of time for live questions.
Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease Skin Related Issues and Solutions
This month’s call in program will focus on skin issues related to chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (cGVHD). Dr. Rachel Rosenstein, a physician-scientist at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine with a clinical and research interest in chronic skin GVHD will discuss skin related issues, and treatment options, sharing her expertise and best practices. Additionally, Anne Fitzpatrick, a survivor of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with a myelofibrosis overlay, who knows all about skin related cGVHD, will share her transplant story and coping strategies. Jennifer Gillette, our licensed staff social worker, will host this call. There will be plenty of time for live questions.
Multiple Myeloma Updates
This month’s call-in program will focus on Multiple Myeloma featuring Dr. Hamza Hassan, Assistant Professor of Oncology in the Department of Medicine, Myeloma and Amyloidosis Division of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and the University at Buffalo in New York. He is also the Co-Leader of the Clinical Disease Team of Roswell Park’s Multiple Myeloma division. Dr. Hassan will discuss novel therapeutics, treatment options, cellular therapy, and T-cell engagers. Dr. Hassan will share his expertise, sure to offer hope and more options to those diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Additionally, Nancy LaJoie, a Multiple Myeloma survivor will offer insight, inspiration and coping strategies. Jennifer Gillette, our licensed staff social worker will host this call. There will be plenty of time for live questions.
Advocating for Your Care, Rights & Accommodation as a Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant Patient
This month, Kathryn M. Smolinski, MSW, JD Director, Legal Advocacy for People with Cancer Clinic, Associate Clinical Professor, Wayne State University Law School, will focus on what benefits, leave, accommodations and rights you have as you navigate a bone marrow or stem cell transplant and the recovery process. Jennifer Leal, Board Certified Patient Advocate, AML/Stem Cell Transplant Survivor, and Clinical Data Scientist, will share her personal experience and how she advocates to improve health equity for patients needing life-saving therapies. Jennifer Gillette, LMSW, Staff Social Worker at nbmtLINK will host this program.
Psychological & Emotional Feelings Experienced Post Bone Marrow Transplant
This month, Maria Rueda-Lara, M.D., Medical Director of Psycho-Oncology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Medical Director, Consult Behavioral Health Services at University of Miami Hospital (UHT), Assistant Professor of Psychiatry Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami/Miller School of Medicine will share her expertise regarding the many triggers that survivors face post-transplant as well as the fear of relapse. Laura Housley, a long-term thriving survivor will share her personal experiences and how she manages stressful triggers that emerge. Jennifer Gillette, LMSW, Staff Social Worker at nbmtLINK will host this program.
Moving Parts Post Transplant: Resuming Relationships, Living & Moving Forward
This month, Stacey Prieur, RN, BScN, CHTC, Transplant Coordinator, Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplant Program at the Karmanos Cancer Center, will focus on many of the moving parts post-transplant—finding your way, redefining relationships with your loved ones, getting back to work and more. Stacey, with decades of experience listening and guiding patients, will help listeners figure out how to thrive and get busy living their new normal. Ann Marie Shay, an AML survivor since Sept. 2021, will also share her recent experience and how she manages and navigates it all. Jennifer Gillette, LMSW, Staff Social Worker at nbmtLINK will host this program. There will be time for live questions.
Financial Considerations Surrounding a Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant
This month, Sandra N. Gurrola, Financial Counselor, UCLA Health Bowyer Oncology Center will share her expertise regarding financial issues and considerations that surround a bone marrow/stem cell transplant. Sandra recently authored a new nbmtLINK book which focuses on all things finance, including insurance, unique costs related to transplant and a vast list of valuable resources. A transplant patient will also share their financial experiences and how they managed and navigated it all. Jennifer Gillette, LMSW, Staff Social Worker at nbmtLINK will host this program. There will be time for live questions.
Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease: Ways to Cope and Improve Life & the Latest Treatment Options
This month, Dr. Annie Im of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh will focus on how to navigate chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (cGVHD) and updates on treatment options. As clinical trials and treatments advance, we want to be sure you have everything needed to manage it all and get busy enjoying life. Lew Christie, a two-time AML transplant survivor with an extraordinary story, will share how he gets through the tough days as he manages his GVHD on a daily basis. Jennifer Gillette, LMSW, Staff Social Worker at nbmtLINK will host this program. There will be time for live questions.
Calling All Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant Caregivers: What, Why, When and How to Get Through it All
This month’s program will focus on caregiver needs before, during and after a bone marrow/stem cell transplant. Dawn Speckhart, Ph.D., Clinical Health Psychologist, Cellular Therapy and Leukemia Program for Northside Hospital Cancer Institute will share her expertise, focusing on following instructions, including dietary and caregiver needs. She will also focus on minimizing stress post-transplant by having plans in place, frank communication, knowing when to call and “not sweating the small stuff.” Jennifer Gillette, LMSW, Staff Social Worker at nbmtLINK will share many seasoned caregiver tips and tricks conveyed to the LINK. There will also be time for live questions.