Marrow Masters

In this episode, we sit down with Sally Werner, CEO of Cancer Support Community, to explore her dual perspective as a longtime oncology professional and as a caregiver to her mother-in-law. We begin with Sally’s background—first as an oncology nurse, then a healthcare administrator, and now a nonprofit leader. She calls this her “passion job,” driven by a deep commitment to support patients and caregivers alike.

Sally opens up about...

In this episode, we talk with Deb Brandt, caregiver to her husband, JR, a survivor of Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Deb shares the journey that began in September 2016 when JR noticed unusual symptoms that led to an urgent diagnosis. Within days, he began an aggressive chemotherapy regimen, with the hope of a bone marrow transplant as the only cure. The search for a match took seven months, eventually ex...

Today we sit down with Henry Ford Health Michigan's Hina Desai, an oncology certified social worker with decades of experience, to share her best caregiving tips for those supporting transplant patients. Hina explains that patience, physical stamina, problem-solving, adaptability, and emotional intelligence are essential caregiver skills. We talk about the many roles a caregiver plays — from transportation and medication management...

In this episode, we speak with Daniel Medina of Broomfield, Colorado, about his journey as a caregiver for his wife Miley, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2021 at the young age of 27. What begins as a story of sudden diagnosis during an active summer of volleyball quickly turned into an emotional and logistical rollercoaster for Daniel, Miley, and their then two-year-old daughter.

We walk through the early day...

In this episode, we sit down with Lorri Pimentel of Santa Rosa, California, a resilient survivor who shares her deeply personal journey through breast cancer, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and a life-saving bone marrow transplant. We explore not only the medical milestones but also the practical and emotional realities of navigating treatment and recovery, especially in the context of caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lorri o...

In this episode, we sit down with Anastasia Cacavias, a registered nurse and manager of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Leukemia Program at Northside Hospital Cancer Institute in Atlanta. Anastasia walks us through the essential role that caregivers play throughout the transplant journey—from initial diagnosis to long-term recovery. Her perspective comes not only from clinical experience but from deeply personal connections with pa...

Welcome to Season 18 of Marrow Masters, produced for the National Bone Marrow Transplant Link, and sponsored by Sanofi and Jazz Pharmaceuticals. This season is all about the caregivers. Our guests will offer up their best tips, experiences and advice. We’ll cover the importance of self-care and share heartwarming stories of compassion and love. 

You'll hear from an RN and transplant manager at Atlanta's Northside Hospital, a CEO of ...

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 caregiv...

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 ...

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...

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, improv...

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 ear...

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 navig...

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, care...

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 insigh...

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 ora...

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 patien...

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 h...

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 ...