Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease Webinar: Let’s Learn from the Experts

Connie A. Sizemore, Pharm.D., Lead Clinical Pharmacy Specialist Transplant, Leukemia and Cellular Therapy Program at the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute will lead the discussion covering the increase of allogeneic transplants, the grading of cGVHD, growing risk factors, how the skin, eyes and lungs are affected and treatment options.

 

Latasha McCoy is the Graft Versus Host Disease Nurse for the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute: Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplant, Leukemia and Immunotherapy Program, Atlanta Georgia. In 2013, she received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology & Human Services from Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia. In 2015, she begin working as a Bone Marrow Transplant/Leukemia Resource Coordinator for Northside Hospital. She received her Bachelor of Science in nursing (2019) at Chamberlin University College of Nursing in Atlanta, Georgia.  She completed the BMT nursing residency at the Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplant, Leukemia and Immunotherapy at Northside Hospital inpatient unit prior to transferring into the GVHD nurse role. Latasha is primarily responsible the assessment, documentation, staging and grading  of GVHD per the guidelines established by the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) and the NIH Consensus Group. Latasha is an advocate for patients that are experiencing GVHD and works with the multidisciplinary team to ensure that patients receive timely assessments and treatments tailored to manage their GVHD symptoms to optimize their quality of life.

 

Dawn Speckhart, PhD of Northside will provide guidance in coming to terms with emotions regarding a cGVHD diagnosis and how to build a support network and thrive. Latasha McCoy, BSN,RN of Northside will focus on the signs and symptoms of cGVHD and the benefits of a patient diary. Lisa Loutzenhiser, a survivor will share her story and how she combats her cGVHD skin issues as they surface. This webinar will be facilitated by Jennifer Gillette, our licensed staff social worker. There will be time for questions and answers following the presentation.