Buddy Program Keeps GVHD Patients Connected

Patients struggling with GVHD can now communicate with other GVHD patients, thanks to the GVHD Buddies Program. The program, which was developed by Johns Hopkins Oncology Center social worker Holly Dawsey LSW-C, is open to all GVHD patients regardless of where they live or are being treated.

Participants in the program complete a brief questionnaire about their underlying disease, their GVHD symptoms, how GVHD has affected them emotionally and socially, and what’s been most difficult or helpful for them. “I then compile the responses onto a Buddy Profile List that gets distributed periodically to the Buddies,” says Dawsey. “The buddies can read about other folks and choose who to contact.”

Approximately 30 people are currently on the Buddy List. For more information, email your postal address to blacksu@jhmi.edu or phone BMT InfoNet at 888-597-7674.

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