Hope your summer was long and lazy and rejuvenating. I love September as it is time to get back on schedule, enjoy some lingering gifts of summer while learning and growing. We have many fall programs scheduled and are excited to share with you different opportunities throughout the rest of the year.

This month we recognize Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month and Blood Cancer Awareness Month. Get ready to be inspired when you read our article below, initiated by DKMS, by the incredible Meg Murphy about sweet Clementine. Thank you Meg.

Here is a quote by Meg that really struck me.

"I think a lot of people assume you need to be an expert to make a difference, but you don’t. I’m proof of that. I was just a college student who met one family and let their story guide me. DKMS gave me the tools, but it was the love I had for Clementine and her family that gave me the motivation."

Save the Date:

We will host our annual Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease webinar on Wednesday, Oct. 29 from Noon to 1:30 pm EST.

Dr. Corey Cutler, of the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, joined by Daniel Gaylor, LCSW, OSW-C, ACHP, SW of Moffitt Cancer Center and Judy

Fine-Edelstein, survivor extraordinaire will lead this important session entitled: Updates in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic GVHD.

Be sure to visit our home page of our website in about one to two weeks for free registration info. We will also have info in out Oct.1 e-newsletter.

. We are also working on our Marrow Masters podcasts, Season 18 on All Things Caregiving and look forward to sharing it

with you soon.

Click here to check out Marrow Masters!

The Unexpected Spark that Led to a Life-Saving Drive

By Meg Murphy

(Meg seen smiling with Clementine here)

I met Clementine and her family in July 2023 at the Ronald McDonald House. Her older sister, Finnlee, was running around with the other kids, full of energy, but Clementine sat quietly in her stroller, kept apart from the other children. I soon learned why and what was so special about Clementine: she was the only girl in the world with a rare TLR8 genetic mutation and had come to St. Louis for a stem cell transplant. Her story stayed with me, shaping not just my college experience, but the kind of doctor I hope to become.

That summer, I began volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House every week, bringing crafts and games to the families staying there. Over time, I grew especially close with Clementine’s mom, Tanner. Through the ups and downs of Clementine’s treatment, we shared laughter, grief, hope, and resilience. Being part of their world reminded me that small acts of kindness can ripple into something much.

Lunch & Learn

with the LINK

A Telephone Support CALL IN Program for Patients,

Families/Caregivers/Loved Ones

Rebuilding and Redefining Relationships with Others and Yourself After Cancer Treatment

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025

Noon to 1 pm EST

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.

There will be plenty of time for live questions.

To ask a question during the Q & A portion of this program, once the operator says the lines have been opened, hit the star key on your phone and then the number 1. Please address yourself when asking a question in the best way to protect your identity if desired.

If you have any technical issues related to registering, please email 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 program is recorded and transcribed and available on our website within one week after airing live. (www.nbmtlink.org)

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.

To register for free, click here:

We Thank Our Sponsors:

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (now Blood Cancer United), Incyte and Johnson & Johnson.

We also thank our Esteemed Link Partners, listed at the end of this newsletter.

We’re proud to partner with Triage Cancer for their October 18, 20205 conference. This FREE online event provides valuable information on key topics for navigating the practical and legal issues that may impact an individual diagnosed with cancer.

Topics for this year’s conference include:

• Health insurance options & navigation

• Tips for using health insurance, picking a plan, & appealing denials

• Managing finances, medical bills, & financial help

• Tools for making decisions about work

• Estate planning

• Getting organized

• Becoming an empowered patient and advocate

Free continuing education for professionals is also available.

Find the answers to your questions at this event.

To register for free, click here:

The Meredith Cowden Symposium is

Coming Up

There is a virtual option. Learn more about this event below. We are thrilled to be a part of this wonderful, free event. Check it Out!

To register for the Oct. 17 Symposium for free, click here:

Are you a Kroger shopper?

Want to help the LINK just by shopping and designating us for community rewards?

Link your card to the nbmtLINK today

We surely appreciate it.

Selecting the organization that you wish to support is as simple as updating the Kroger Community Rewards selection on your digital account.

1. Sign in to your digital account.

2. Search for your organization. (Our code is IL173)

3. Enter the name or NPO number of the organization you wish to support. (Again, the LINK's number is IL173)

4. Select the appropriate organization from the list and click “Save”.

Your selected organization will also display in the Kroger Community Rewards section of your account. If you need to review or revisit your organization, you can always do so under your Account details.

Questions or issues registering, please click here:

How We Help Others!

Peer Support

On-Call Program

We are a phone call or email away for patients and their loved ones.

1-800-546-5268

info@nbmtlink.org

Celebrate Your Second Birthday

Help Us

Help Others

We cannot do it without the support of corporations, foundations and individuals like you!

Donate Now

We Invite You to Become a LINK Partner

We thank the following partners.

Link Partners include cancer centers and allied partners who annually support our mission of providing psychosocial support to patients, caregivers, their families and health care professionals dedicated to helping people navigate a bone marrow transplant. If you would like to learn more about the many benefits to being a Link Partner including access to a large allocation of books and signage throughout the year, please do not hesitate to contact Peggy, (248) 358-1886 or peggyburkhard@nbmtlink.org.

Platinum Level Link Partner

Blood Marrow Transplant Program at Northside Hospital

Gold Level Link Partners

American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT)

Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center

Blood Marrow Transplant Program at Northside Hospital

Corewell Health

Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Incyte

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Moffitt Cancer Center