In this incredible episode of Marrow Masters , we sit down with Kayla West, a stem cell donor from Texas, and Miriam Bauer, the mother of a young leukemia survivor Miley, from Oklahoma. This story is a deeply emotional journey of hope, resilience, and a connection that transcends bloodlines. Kayla and Miriam take us through the entire transplant process from both perspectives: the donor stepping up during a pandemic, and the caregiver navigating a life-threatening diagnosis in a child. We begin ...
Jun 18, 2025•41 min•Season 17Ep. 1
In this episode, we sit down with Nick Giallourakis, Executive Director of the Steven G. Cancer Foundation and co-founder of Elephants and Tea , a digital magazine and support platform for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients and survivors. We begin by learning about Nick’s brother, Steve, whose incredible journey as a five-time cancer survivor—including osteosarcoma, Secondary AML, renal cell carcinoma, and pleomorphic sarcoma—serves as the foundation and inspiration for Nick’s work...
Jun 18, 2025•29 min•Season 17Ep. 2
In this episode, we speak with Emily Long Sarro, a board-certified family nurse practitioner specializing in adolescent and young adult (AYA) care at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. We focus on the unique challenges AYAs face before, during, and after a stem cell transplant. Emily shares how this age group, defined as 15 years old to 39 years old by the National Cancer Institute, is often overlooked in the healthcare system, stuck between pediatric and adult care settings. They’re naviga...
Jun 18, 2025•27 min•Season 17Ep. 3
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Chris Dandoy, Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and bone marrow transplant physician at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Dr. Dandoy shares his deep experience working with adolescents and young adults (AYAs), focusing on the unique challenges they face during and after cancer treatment. Our conversation centers around empowering AYAs to take ownership of their healthcare journey, improving outcomes, and restoring quality of life. Dr. Dandoy introduce...
Jun 18, 2025•18 min•Season 17Ep. 4
This episode of Marrow Masters brings us an incredible conversation with Kitrena Young, a two-time cancer survivor whose story spans decades and highlights the unique challenges faced by adolescents and young adults (AYAs). We begin by learning about Kitrena’s initial diagnosis of B-cell ALL with a Philadelphia chromosome at the age of eight, followed by a shocking relapse 23 years later. Her candor about how she recognized the early signs the second time around—bruising and fatigue—underscores ...
Jun 18, 2025•30 min•Season 17Ep. 5
In this episode, we talk with David Hartley, PhD, MPH, who shares his deeply personal experience as both a caregiver and a scientist. David is chair of the board for Engraft , a learning network focused on improving outcomes in transplant and cellular therapy through collaboration and shared data. While he brings professional expertise in infectious diseases and epidemiology, our conversation centers on his journey as a father navigating his son Devin's stem cell transplant at age 13. We begin b...
Jun 18, 2025•35 min•Season 17Ep. 6
In our 17th season of the Marrow Masters podcast, we will be focusing on Adolescents and Young Adults, collectively known as AYAs. Defined as between the ages of 15 and 39 by the National Cancer Institute, these patients have a unique cancer journey. They are often too old for pediatric clinics, but feel out of place among older adults in a tradtional oncology department. This season we will talk to survivors, social workers, caregivers, and doctors. And you won't want to miss a conversation bet...
Jun 12, 2025•4 min
In this episode, we welcome Jeannie Wiarda, LMSW, a Medical Social Worker at the Adult Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant Center at Corewell Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jeannie has been a Medical Social Worker at Corewell Health for 20 years including 14 years in Hospice and Palliative Care Inpatient; time in the Emergency Room prior to that, and has currently spent three years in bone marrow transplant. Jeannie provides insight into her work with transplant patients, particularly those navi...
Jan 30, 2025•29 min•Season 16Ep. 1
In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Bugen, a nurse at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, who shares her expertise on managing life after a blood or bone marrow transplant, particularly in relation to chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The conversation centers on practical advice for patients and caregivers navigating recovery and maintaining quality of life. Regarding Oral GVHD, Sarah emphasizes the importance of oral health post-transplant, recommending soft toothbrushes, alcoho...
Jan 30, 2025•25 min•Season 16Ep. 2
In this episode, we meet up with Josh Conklin, a seasoned bone marrow transplant (BMT) nurse at the University of Michigan Hospital, to explore his experiences, insights, and tips for managing chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). With 11 years of inpatient experience, Josh offers a comprehensive view of the challenges and triumphs in caring for patients undergoing BMT. Josh explains that his primary role involves guiding patients through the most critical stages of their transplant journey,...
Jan 30, 2025•20 min•Season 16Ep. 3
In this episode, we talk to Carly Cappozzo, a senior occupational therapist specializing in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) rehabilitation at a major cancer hospital. Carly shares her unique approach to patient care, emphasizing the importance of holistic and personalized therapy that empowers patients to regain their independence and identity post-treatment. Carly explains her role as an occupational therapist, detailing how she helps patients achieve independence in everyday tasks and redisco...
Jan 30, 2025•26 min•Season 16Ep. 4
In today’s episode, we talk with Krista Wood, a registered nurse with the Cell Therapy and Transplant Program at Victoria General Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada). Krista shares her invaluable insights and experiences working with patients dealing with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a common complication following stem cell transplants. Our discussion delves into the importance of communication, post-transplant care, and finding joy and purpose during survivorship. Krista emp...
Jan 30, 2025•24 min•Season 16Ep. 5
In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Stewart, a nurse practitioner with more than 25 years of transplant nursing experience, currently working at the post-transplant BMT clinic at the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center in Boston. Lisa provides invaluable insights into managing chronic and acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and shares her expertise, stories, and advice for patients and caregivers navigating post-transplant life. Lisa describes her role in outpatient care, where the majority ...
Jan 30, 2025•19 min•Season 16Ep. 6
Season 16 of Marrow Masters, Sponsored by Sanofi, will be released January 30, 2025. The National Bone Marrow Transplant Link, established in 1992, strives to help patients, caregivers, and families cope with the psychosocial challenges of bone marrow transplant, from diagnosis through survivorship. Season 16 of our show will focus on the best tips for dealing with Chronic GVHD. Top notch health care professionals will share their compassion, best advice, insight and caregiving tips regarding ch...
Jan 28, 2025•4 min
In this episode of Marrow Masters , we hear the journey of married couple Dave and Laurie Brock, as they share their experience with CAR T-cell therapy— one Dave very recently underwent. The Brocks provide an inspiring and honest account of navigating this complex treatment process. Dave, diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015, had an eight-year remission following a stem cell transplant. When he relapsed earlier this year, his doctor, Dr. Abdullah at the University of Kansas Medical Center, re...
Nov 15, 2024•32 min•Season 15Ep. 1
In this interview, we sit down with Dr. Hemant Murthy, a professor of medicine in the division of Hematology/Oncology at Mayo Clinic, to explore the groundbreaking potential of CAR T-cell therapy and the crucial role clinical trials play in advancing cancer treatments. Dr. Murthy begins by emphasizing the importance of clinical trials in hematology, reminding us that many of today’s standard treatments—like oral medications for chronic myeloid leukemia or advanced therapies for multiple myeloma ...
Nov 15, 2024•20 min•Season 15Ep. 2
In this podcast episode, we talk to Liz Muenks, a licensed psychologist and director of the Onco-Psychology Program at the University of Kansas Cancer Center. We discuss the psychosocial and emotional challenges faced by patients undergoing CAR T-cell therapy, a groundbreaking treatment for cancer, and how these experiences affect both patients and caregivers. Liz explains that patients typically enter CAR T-cell therapy after exhausting other treatment options, which leads to a heavy emotional ...
Nov 15, 2024•30 min•Season 15Ep. 3
(Disclaimer: This episode contains advice on nutrition and lifestyle. Always consult your health care team regarding your personal circumstances). In this episode, we speak with Terena from Tampa, Florida, about her journey with CAR T-cell therapy, covering her experiences from diagnosis through recovery and remission. Diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, in September 2019, Terena endured years of misdiagnosis as her initial symptoms, such as severe hot flashes ...
Nov 15, 2024•28 min•Season 15Ep. 4
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Hassan Alkhateeb, a hematologist from the Mayo Clinic Transplant Center, about CAR T-cell therapy. Dr. Alkhateeb walks us through the basics of this groundbreaking immunotherapy and how it has evolved as a treatment option for various cancers. CAR T-cell therapy involves collecting a patient's T cells and re-engineering them in the lab to target and destroy cancer cells. This therapy has shown promise in treating blood cancers like B-cell acute lymphoblastic leu...
Nov 15, 2024•26 min•Season 15Ep. 5
Today we interview Lori Dear, a registered nurse and transplant coordinator in the adult Blood & Marrow Transplant Program at Corewell Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Lori shares her deep insights into the CAR T-cell therapy process, a groundbreaking treatment for certain cancers, focusing on the patient experience and the critical role of caregivers. Lori explains that CAR T-cell therapy is highly personalized, with no "cookie-cutter" approach. A diverse interdisciplinary team, including ...
Nov 15, 2024•22 min•Season 15Ep. 6
In season 15 of the Marrow Masters podcast, we will focus on CAR T cellular therapy. This innovative and life saving treatment is gaining momentum and has become a first line course of treatment in recent years. What does CAR T have in common with more traditional transplants? How does it differ? What is the first 100 days like? And how have clinical trials brought us to this moment? We will hear from physicians at the heart of this cutting-edge therapy, from survivors, and from other members of...
Nov 07, 2024•3 min
This episode includes content related to reproductive organs and sexual health and may not be suitable for all listeners . A transcript of this episode can be found here: https://marrowmasters.simplecast.com/episodes/mens-sexual-health-gvhd/transcript In this podcast, we welcome Dr. Jose Flores, an expert in sexual and reproductive medicine at New York's Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. We dive deep into the often challenging but crucial topic of male sexuality, particularly in the contex...
Aug 08, 2024•28 min•Season 14Ep. 1
In today’s podcast, we have the pleasure of speaking with Angie Giallourakis, a dedicated advocate and founder of the Steven G. Cancer Foundation and Elephants and Tea. Angie shares her powerful story of being a caregiver to her son Steven, who battled cancer twice. Steven was first diagnosed with stage four osteosarcoma in 2006, and later with secondary acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) in 2008, necessitating a bone marrow transplant. Angie recounts the emotional and physical toll of Steven’s jo...
Aug 08, 2024•37 min•Season 14Ep. 2
This epsiode includes content related to reproductive organs and sexual health and may not be suitable for all listeners . In this episode, we speak with Dr. Oluwatosin "Tosin" Goje, an Associate Professor of OBGYN and reproductive biology at the Cleveland Clinic. We delve into the critical and often under-discussed topic of female sexual health issues related to chronic genital graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a condition affecting many women post bone marrow transplant. Dr. Goje begins by hig...
Aug 08, 2024•30 min•Season 14Ep. 3
Dr. Doris Ponce from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center delves into atypical presentations of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). As an associate member, co-chair of the Center for Hematologic Malignancies, and director of the Graft-Versus-Host Disease Program, Dr. Ponce provides an in-depth understanding of this complex condition. Dr. Ponce emphasizes the diverse symptoms of GVHD that often overlap with other conditions, making diagnosis challenging. She outlines the eight organs typ...
Aug 08, 2024•28 min•Season 14Ep. 4
In this episode, we chat with JR Brandt of Montana, an acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) survivor, about his journey through diagnosis, treatment, and living with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). JR shares his initial diagnosis story, describing how what he thought was a minor infection led to a leukemia diagnosis complicated by the Philadelphia Positive chromosome. He underwent 26 days of chemotherapy and was eventually cleared for a bone marrow stem cell transplant at Stanford Univers...
Aug 08, 2024•28 min•Season 14Ep. 5
In this episode, we speak with Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute's Dr. Hermioni "Hermi" Amonoo, an esteemed psychiatrist, psychosocial oncologist, and associate professor at Harvard Medical School. Our discussion centers on the psychological distress associated with graft versus host disease (GVHD) following a bone marrow stem cell transplant. Dr. Amonoo sheds light on the significant psychological challenges patients with GVHD face, noting that approximately 50% expe...
Aug 08, 2024•27 min•Season 14Ep. 6
Season 14 of the Marrow Masters podcast produced by the National Bone Marrow Transplant Link will be out soon, focusing on the parts of chronic graft versus host disease we don't often talk about. We'll cover male and female sexuality, and atypical presentations of chronic GVHD. We'll share a patient and caregiver perspective related to chronic GVHD and take a deep dive into the psychosocial and emotional struggles of those with this rare and sometimes debilitating disease. Guests include Dr. Do...
Aug 02, 2024•3 min
In this episode of the podcast, we welcome Dr. Navneet Majhail, the Physician-in-Chief of Blood Cancers at the Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program and a widely respected leader in transplant. The focus of our discussion is the critical transitions of care that occur after patients undergo transplant and cellular therapy, a subject Dr. Majhail is deeply passionate about. Dr. Majhail highlights the complexities of managing care transitions from specialized treatment centers back t...
May 31, 2024•29 min•Season 13Ep. 1
In today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Janet Young from Massachusetts, who shares her challenging yet inspiring journey with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and her subsequent stem cell transplant. Diagnosed in March 2022, Janet underwent a transplant in August of the same year after a regimen of intensive chemotherapy. Remarkably, her transplant occurs on her ACTUAL birthday, adding a poignant touch to her recovery story. Janet discusses the profound fatigue she experiences post...
May 31, 2024•20 min•Season 13Ep. 2
