The National Bone Marrow Transplant Link

02/06/2026

02/05/2026

As we prep for GVHD Day, here are some tips to share for awareness from gvhdalliance.org

02/05/2026

Wondering what the LINK ladies are up to on World Cancer Day? If you are in Salt Lake City at the Tandem conference, go say "hi "and find out! They are at booth 132. Our fearless leader, Peg Burkhard, and her dynamic duo teammate, Cindy Burke, are spreading awareness about all we do to help the bmt community. They also are getting people ready for GVHD Day! A special shout out to our friends at Mayo Clinic!

02/04/2026

World Cancer Day exists because cancer isn’t just a medical issue — it’s a human, global, and deeply unequal one.

At its core, the day is about awareness, action, and hope.

Here’s the why, broken down simply:

1. To raise awareness
Many cancers are preventable or treatable when caught early, yet millions of people lack information, screening, or access to care. World Cancer Day helps people understand risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early detection.

2. To reduce stigma
Cancer still carries fear, silence, and misunderstanding in many cultures. Sharing stories — especially from survivors, caregivers, and families — reminds the world that cancer is something people live through, not something that defines them.

3. To push for equity
Where you live, what you earn, and who you are still affect whether you survive cancer. This day calls attention to disparities in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, and urges governments and systems to do better.

4. To honor those impacted
It’s a day to recognize:

those living with cancer

survivors

caregivers

those we’ve lost

Collective remembrance gives meaning and momentum.

5. To spark action
World Cancer Day isn’t just symbolic. It encourages:

healthier lifestyle choices

regular screenings

funding for research

policy changes

community support

Ultimately, we have World Cancer Day because no one should face cancer alone, and because progress happens faster when the world pays attention — together.

02/03/2026

We just met the lovely author of this book this week. If you need some inspiration, this is one to check out. Here is a list of other books as well that could be helpful on the journey from our friends at Blood Cancer United https://bloodcancerunited.org/resources/educational-resources/suggested-reading

01/31/2026

Rebuilding Identity After a Bone Marrow Transplant
Identity change is normal:
Recovery alters how you see yourself — physically, emotionally, and socially.
This “biographical disruption” is part of healing, not a setback.
Grieve the old you:
It’s healthy to mourn who you were before transplant.
Express the loss through journaling, therapy, or conversation.
You can love who you were and still grow into someone new.
Focus on values, not just roles:
Reconnect with what matters most — compassion, courage, creativity, faith, etc.
Living by your values helps form a new, authentic identity.
Values-based coping improves post-traumatic growth.
Integrate your experience into your story:
Don’t erase the transplant experience — make meaning from it.
Find purpose through advocacy, volunteering, or creative expression.
Narrative reconstruction can reduce distress and build resilience.
Redefine strength and success:
Strength now may mean resting, asking for help, or setting limits.
Set small, achievable goals that restore confidence.
Celebrate progress over perfection.
Seek professional and peer support:
Work with oncology social workers, rehab psychologists, or survivorship clinics.
Therapies like ACT and Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy can help.
Join BMT-specific peer groups (e.g., NBMT Link, BMT InfoNet, The Bloodline).
Practice self-compassion:
Be gentle with yourself — your body and mind have been through trauma.
Replace self-criticism with kindness: “I’m doing my best with what I’ve been through.”
Self-compassion fosters emotional healing and identity acceptance.
Professional insight:
“Post-transplant identity is not about returning to who you were. It’s about discovering the wholeness that can exist within change.”
— Dr. Jamie Jacobs, Psychosocial Oncology Program, Massachusetts General Hospital

01/30/2026

A n informative article from our friends at Triage Cancer
https://triagecancer.org/can-you-legally-order-prescription-drugs-from-outside-the-u-s

01/29/2026

GVHD Day is observed each year on February 17, bringing the transplant
community together to raise awareness of graft-versus-host disease and
the importance of education, early recognition, and support.
This year’s GVHD Day campaign theme is Stronger Than GVHD, reflecting
the strength found in shared knowledge, ongoing research, early symptom
awareness, and a community committed to supporting people affected by
GVHD. No one should face GVHD without information or support.
As part of the GVHD Alliance community, nbmtLINK is proud to
stand alongside organizations across North America in a shared effort to
raise awareness and connect people with trusted GVHD resources.
Learn more about GVHD and explore available resources as we prepare for
GVHD Day on February 17.

https://www.gvhdalliance.org/resources/

Know someone who may be affected by GVHD? Share this post to help
others feel informed and supported.