In 2001, at the age of 19, Meredith Cowden underwent a stem cell transplant after being diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. Now, at age 27, she lives a robust life despite challenges with chronic graft-versus-host disease.
"You will not be the same person as before transplant," says Meredith." You will have knowledge and experience that many do not; take that and use it to make your life as meaningful as you can."
And that she has done. Committed to giving back, Meredith's family started a foundation - The Meredith A. Cowden Foundation - that raises funds for research on graft-versus-host disease, and supports patients dealing with this side effect of transplant.
Outside of the transplant world, Meredith works in Cleveland, Ohio with a civic group called FrontLine Service, helping to find housing for the city's homeless.
When she is not working, Meredith is at no loss for things to do. An avid yogi, gardener and artist she loves being outdoors and in the water.
One of Meredith's favorite quotes that she kept in mind during her transplant is from Winston Churchill, " If you're going through hell, keep going."
