The Big Three: Leukemia Vs. Lymphoma Vs. Myeloma
Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma: these are the three most common forms of blood cancer. But what are they, and how do they differ? It can be easy to confuse them, given some of their similarities. All three are cancers that start in the blood forming organs and affect the body’s immune system. This blog post…
Read MoreAnddd It’s A Wrap!
As they always say, time flies when you are having a good time. From the very beginning of being welcomed to the Hero team, I have enjoyed myself tremendously. It is so bittersweet to think about my time ending here, but before I go, I want to take a walk down memory lane. From the…
Read MoreThe Importance of Diversifying the Bone Marrow Registry | African American Bone Marrow Awareness Month
July is dedicated to African American Bone Marrow Awareness Month. African American Patients only have a 25% chance of finding a match compared to a 75% chance for Caucasian patients on the registry. It is imperative that individuals of color join the National Bone Marrow Registry. Geneau Thames, a member of Hero’s board as well…
Read MoreWhy African Americans Are Affected More By Sickle Cell Anemia & Multiple Myeloma
Sickle Cell Disease and Multiple Myeloma affects thousands of people throughout the world. Sickle Cell Disease is most common among those whose ancestors come from sub-Saharan Africa, Spanish-speaking regions in the Western Hemisphere, Saudi Arabia, and other Mediterranean countries while Multiple Myeloma is most common in Australia, North America, and Western Europe. Sickle Cell…
Read MoreUncovering Myths About Bone Marrow Transplants
Unfortunately, there are many myths associated with bone marrow transplants. The lack of education can make people believe being a donor is scary, when it’s not a scary thing at all! Uncovering myths about bone marrow transplants could save lives.
Read MoreHow to Take Care of Your Mental Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of people of all ages. Now, more than ever, it is critical to reduce the stigma around mental health struggles, because that stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help. So what exactly is mental health? Mental health…
Read MoreWhat Is Bone Marrow Donation?
A bone marrow donation is a lifesaving treatment for many patients suffering from blood cancers like leukemia and multiple myeloma, and blood disorders like sickle cell disease and aplastic anemia. The purpose of a bone marrow transplant is to replace the unhealthy blood cells in the patient’s bloodstream with healthy blood-forming cells from a matching…
Read MoreInterview With Wendy Letow, Respite Retreats
Last week I had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with Wendy Letow, the Founder and Executive Director of Respite Retreats, a nonprofit organization located in Columbia, MD. Respite Retreats was founded in June 2018 with the mission to “provide retreats of respite to cancer patients, their caregivers, and families, and encourage healthy living…
Read MoreNational Volunteer Month / Volunteering with Hero!
April is National Volunteer Month. This month is dedicated to honoring all of the volunteers in our communities as well as encouraging volunteerism. The definition of volunteerism is the use or involvement of volunteer labor, especially in community services. This is the practice of providing time and skills for the benefits of other people and…
Read MoreMy Journey with Joining the Bone Marrow Registry
When I first started my position with Hero as the AmeriCorps/Volunteer Maryland Volunteer Coordinator, I had no idea what to expect. I couldn’t tell you a thing about the national bone marrow registry and I knew very little about blood cancer. I knew that I would be helping those impacted by blood cancer, but I…
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