Black Blood Heals Wed, 06 May 2026 04:09:26 -0400 https://bethematchblk.org en-us © 2026 Black Blood Heals yes 166c5af9-a75c-5f9d-8fc1-cb03d686f331 Be The Match episodic false The Black Blood Heals Podcast explores the stories of heroic Black donors who have saved lives and Black patients in need of life-saving stem cell and bone marrow transplants. Hear from Black doctors about disparities in healthcare affecting the Black community and learn how you can take action to save a life and change outcomes for patients battling blood cancer, sickle cell disease and other life-threatening diseases. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Bone Marrow, Bone Marrow Transplant, Be The Match, Bone Marrow Registry, Sickle Cell Be The Match https://storage.buzzsprout.com/057v2ozpo4doymybkttxqdrh91gu?.jpg Black Blood Heals https://bethematchblk.org Beyond diagnosis: A mom’s perspective on blood disorders Beyond diagnosis: A mom’s perspective on blood disorders Alaysha is a mom of two busy, happy, boys. In many ways her life is like that of most moms: juggling work and running around after her little kids. But she knows how precious these family moments really are, as both boys are now in recovery from a serious blood disease that was cured by a blood stem cell transplant. In this episode of NMDP Black Blood Heals, we hear her story. 

Alaysha tells us about how her two boys were diagnosed with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). This rare blood disorder means that sufferers don’t develop a healthy immune system, exposing them to extreme risk from everyday germs like the common cold. Luckily both boys were able to receive a blood stem cell transplant at a young age and Alaysha walks us through the whole process from diagnosis to recovery. We also hear how the disease affects other men in her family and what she wishes for her boys in the future, now that they are healthy and thriving. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Alaysha is a mom of two busy, happy, boys. In many ways her life is like that of most moms: juggling work and running around after her little kids. But she knows how precious these family moments really are, as both boys are now in recovery from a serious blood disease that was cured by a blood stem cell transplant. In this episode of NMDP Black Blood Heals, we hear her story. 

Alaysha tells us about how her two boys were diagnosed with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). This rare blood disorder means that sufferers don’t develop a healthy immune system, exposing them to extreme risk from everyday germs like the common cold. Luckily both boys were able to receive a blood stem cell transplant at a young age and Alaysha walks us through the whole process from diagnosis to recovery. We also hear how the disease affects other men in her family and what she wishes for her boys in the future, now that they are healthy and thriving. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> NMDP Buzzsprout-16946978 Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 1248 5 7 full false Behind the scenes with an NMDP courier Behind the scenes with an NMDP courier In 2018, Lois went for a routine physical exam. The next day she unexpectedly received a phone call from her doctor telling her she had an extremely low white blood count. Further tests over the next few days confirmed her diagnosis: Lois had leukemia. 

In this episode of NMDP Black Blood Heals, Lois walks us through her cancer diagnosis and the blood stem cell transplant that saved her life—thanks to an NMDP donor. Then you’ll hear her talk about her volunteer role as an NMDP courier where she takes life-saving blood stem cells after donation and transports them to the transplant center where the patient is waiting to receive their potential cure. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> In 2018, Lois went for a routine physical exam. The next day she unexpectedly received a phone call from her doctor telling her she had an extremely low white blood count. Further tests over the next few days confirmed her diagnosis: Lois had leukemia. 

In this episode of NMDP Black Blood Heals, Lois walks us through her cancer diagnosis and the blood stem cell transplant that saved her life—thanks to an NMDP donor. Then you’ll hear her talk about her volunteer role as an NMDP courier where she takes life-saving blood stem cells after donation and transports them to the transplant center where the patient is waiting to receive their potential cure. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> NMDP Buzzsprout-16991110 Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 1287 5 6 full false Dr. Rollins breaks down blood stem cell donation Dr. Rollins breaks down blood stem cell donation Having your child diagnosed with a serious disease is a parent’s worst nightmare. But if it happens to you, you want to know that your child is in safe hands, being cared for by an expert medical team. In this episode of NMDP Black Blood Heals, we talk to Margo Rollins, MD, a pediatric hematologist oncologist, about childhood cancer and blood disorders. 

Dr. Rollins discusses how blood cancers and disorders are diagnosed through different newborn screenings and regular childhood checkups. She also highlights symptoms that parents can look for.

She goes into detail about blood stem donation and the two ways to donate—through peripheral blood stem cell or marrow donation as well as the and the differences between allogenieic and autologous transplants. 

Dr. Rollins also addresses the need for more Black and African Americans to join the registry as potential blood stem cell donors to help more patients. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Having your child diagnosed with a serious disease is a parent’s worst nightmare. But if it happens to you, you want to know that your child is in safe hands, being cared for by an expert medical team. In this episode of NMDP Black Blood Heals, we talk to Margo Rollins, MD, a pediatric hematologist oncologist, about childhood cancer and blood disorders. 

Dr. Rollins discusses how blood cancers and disorders are diagnosed through different newborn screenings and regular childhood checkups. She also highlights symptoms that parents can look for.

She goes into detail about blood stem donation and the two ways to donate—through peripheral blood stem cell or marrow donation as well as the and the differences between allogenieic and autologous transplants. 

Dr. Rollins also addresses the need for more Black and African Americans to join the registry as potential blood stem cell donors to help more patients. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> NMDP Buzzsprout-16685630 Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 1277 bone marrow, bone marrow transplant, transplant registry, blood disorders, NMDP, blood transplant 5 5 full false From blood stem cell donor to employee: Altonet’s full-circle story From blood stem cell donor to employee: Altonet’s full-circle story Altonet joined the donor registry as a university student and years later received the call that would change her life. She was a blood stem cell donor match for someone in need of transplant. 

In this episode, Altonet shares her donation experience and how she became a true supporter of blood stem cell donation—which led her to working for NMDP. 

Altonet is passionate about adding more Black and African Americans to the donor registry. Hear as she acknowledges barriers and how her unique perspective as both a donor and an NDMP employee is helping to improve the donation experience for the future. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Altonet joined the donor registry as a university student and years later received the call that would change her life. She was a blood stem cell donor match for someone in need of transplant. 

In this episode, Altonet shares her donation experience and how she became a true supporter of blood stem cell donation—which led her to working for NMDP. 

Altonet is passionate about adding more Black and African Americans to the donor registry. Hear as she acknowledges barriers and how her unique perspective as both a donor and an NDMP employee is helping to improve the donation experience for the future. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Be The Match Buzzsprout-16707618 Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400 1106 bone marrow, bone marrow transplant, transplant registry, blood disorders, NMDP 5 4 full false “I can thrive now”: Meet 12-year-old Kelsey and her mother “I can thrive now”: Meet 12-year-old Kelsey and her mother Life wasn’t always easy for 12-year-old Kelsey. Born with sickle cell disease, she had her first sickle cell crisis when she was just 11 months old. Throughout her childhood she had more than 35 hospital stays and approximately 25 blood transfusions. Even when she wasn’t in hospital, Kelsey had to manage pain, fatigue and reduced mobility. Kelsey found a matching blood stem cell donor and received a blood stem cell transplant. Now a year later, Kelsey is thriving. 

Listen as we talk to Kelsey and her mom, Ebony, about Kelsey’s diagnosis, how they managed her disease and what life is like now post-transplant. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Life wasn’t always easy for 12-year-old Kelsey. Born with sickle cell disease, she had her first sickle cell crisis when she was just 11 months old. Throughout her childhood she had more than 35 hospital stays and approximately 25 blood transfusions. Even when she wasn’t in hospital, Kelsey had to manage pain, fatigue and reduced mobility. Kelsey found a matching blood stem cell donor and received a blood stem cell transplant. Now a year later, Kelsey is thriving. 

Listen as we talk to Kelsey and her mom, Ebony, about Kelsey’s diagnosis, how they managed her disease and what life is like now post-transplant. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Be The Match Buzzsprout-16648858 Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500 1480 bone marrow, bone marrow transplant, transplant registry, blood disorders, NMDP 5 3 full false How Donna is embracing life after blood cancer How Donna is embracing life after blood cancer On this episode of Black Blood Heals, we’re bringing back one of our all-time favorite guests, Donna! Donna is a blood stem cell transplant recipient who we featured on an episode last year with her blood stem cell donor, Tiana. 

Today, Donna is celebrating being cancer-free for five years and we’re catching up with her to find out how her life has been since her blood stem cell transplant. Listen to her talk about how she lives her life now and how she supports the work of the NMDP. We also look to the future to find out what changes Donna wants to see to help more people through their blood cancer journey. 

Links: 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> On this episode of Black Blood Heals, we’re bringing back one of our all-time favorite guests, Donna! Donna is a blood stem cell transplant recipient who we featured on an episode last year with her blood stem cell donor, Tiana. 

Today, Donna is celebrating being cancer-free for five years and we’re catching up with her to find out how her life has been since her blood stem cell transplant. Listen to her talk about how she lives her life now and how she supports the work of the NMDP. We also look to the future to find out what changes Donna wants to see to help more people through their blood cancer journey. 

Links: 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Be The Match Buzzsprout-16540387 Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 1246 5 2 full false First no, then yes: One man’s story of regret and redemption as a blood stem cell donor First no, then yes: One man’s story of regret and redemption as a blood stem cell donor Why would someone refuse to donate blood stem cells once, but then accept to become a donor later? On this episode of Black Blood Heals, we talk to Jeremiah who turned down the first request he got to become a donor. In a full circle moment, he later accepted and gladly donated his blood stem cells to help save the life of a person in need. 

Jeremiah explains why he first joined the NMDP Registry and how he felt when his first call to donate came through. We explore the concerns that led him to refuse to donate and why he later regretted his decision. Then, we discuss what happened when he got a second call to become a donor and what the process of donation was like. 

If you’ve been thinking about joining the donor registry, particularly if you’re a member of the Black or African American community, listen to Jeremiah’s story and hear his inspiring message about how you can become a hero through donating your blood stem cells. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Why would someone refuse to donate blood stem cells once, but then accept to become a donor later? On this episode of Black Blood Heals, we talk to Jeremiah who turned down the first request he got to become a donor. In a full circle moment, he later accepted and gladly donated his blood stem cells to help save the life of a person in need. 

Jeremiah explains why he first joined the NMDP Registry and how he felt when his first call to donate came through. We explore the concerns that led him to refuse to donate and why he later regretted his decision. Then, we discuss what happened when he got a second call to become a donor and what the process of donation was like. 

If you’ve been thinking about joining the donor registry, particularly if you’re a member of the Black or African American community, listen to Jeremiah’s story and hear his inspiring message about how you can become a hero through donating your blood stem cells. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Be The Match Buzzsprout-16536624 Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 1307 5 1 full false From Donor to Recipient: The Critical Social Science of Stem Cell Matches From Donor to Recipient: The Critical Social Science of Stem Cell Matches Welcome to "Black Blood Heals," the podcast that delves deep into the revolutionary world of blood stem cell therapy. Today's episode, brought to you by NMDP, explores the profound intricacies of donor-recipient matching with a special focus on the unique challenges faced by African American patients. Joining us is the esteemed Dr. Rafeek Yusuf, Director of Health Services Research at NMDP, a man whose life's work is dedicated to ensuring life-saving therapies are within everyone's reach.

In this vital conversation, we'll unveil the patient's complex journey from diagnosis to transplant, unravel the barriers shaped by social determinants of health, and the monumental role of insurance in this life-altering process. Dr. Yusuf, who also co-chairs the Racial and Ethnic Inequities committee, will shed light on how a mere 25-30% of patients find a full match in the registry and discuss why ethnicity and age are crucial in donor matching, with African American patients facing a staggering 71% chance of not finding a match.

The discussion will also touch upon how the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the disparities in healthcare access and outcomes tied to social determinants. We'll learn why grassroots mobilization, knowledge dissemination, and fostering trust in the medical system can bridge gaps in treatment for conditions like sickle cell disease.

Now, if you've ever considered becoming a donor, stick around. We're about to dive deep into why your decision could mean the world to someone else. And remember, you can arm yourself with more knowledge and find out how to become part of the solution by visiting nmdp.org. Let's join forces to make a lasting impact.



Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Welcome to "Black Blood Heals," the podcast that delves deep into the revolutionary world of blood stem cell therapy. Today's episode, brought to you by NMDP, explores the profound intricacies of donor-recipient matching with a special focus on the unique challenges faced by African American patients. Joining us is the esteemed Dr. Rafeek Yusuf, Director of Health Services Research at NMDP, a man whose life's work is dedicated to ensuring life-saving therapies are within everyone's reach.

In this vital conversation, we'll unveil the patient's complex journey from diagnosis to transplant, unravel the barriers shaped by social determinants of health, and the monumental role of insurance in this life-altering process. Dr. Yusuf, who also co-chairs the Racial and Ethnic Inequities committee, will shed light on how a mere 25-30% of patients find a full match in the registry and discuss why ethnicity and age are crucial in donor matching, with African American patients facing a staggering 71% chance of not finding a match.

The discussion will also touch upon how the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the disparities in healthcare access and outcomes tied to social determinants. We'll learn why grassroots mobilization, knowledge dissemination, and fostering trust in the medical system can bridge gaps in treatment for conditions like sickle cell disease.

Now, if you've ever considered becoming a donor, stick around. We're about to dive deep into why your decision could mean the world to someone else. And remember, you can arm yourself with more knowledge and find out how to become part of the solution by visiting nmdp.org. Let's join forces to make a lasting impact.



Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Dr. Rafeek Yusuf Buzzsprout-14408975 Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 1808 bone marrow, bone marrow transplant, transplant registry, blood disorders, NMDP 4 3 full false Black Blood Heels: Season Four Recap and Future of Stem Cell Donor Registry Black Blood Heels: Season Four Recap and Future of Stem Cell Donor Registry Welcome to the Season Close Out of Black Blood Heals. In today's episode, our host, Tamara Weston, reflects on the impactful conversations and insights shared this season. She highlights the diverse range of guests, from physicians discussing the need for more diverse stem cell donors to touching stories of patients and donors. 

Throughout the season, Tamara and our guests have highlighted the importance of joining the registry and the significant impact individuals can have on someone's life with a stem cell transplant. The conversations have emphasized the necessity for people to make informed decisions about joining the registry and understanding the potential impact on their lives and the lives of others. 

Tune in to Black Blood Heals to gain a deeper understanding of each person's critical role in saving lives through the NMDP registry.

 We hope this season has inspired you to learn more about the life-saving potential of joining the NMDP registry and consider how you can make a difference. 

Stay tuned for the upcoming Season 5, where we will continue to bring you compelling stories, valuable insights, and resources on ways to be a change agent and save lives in your community.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Welcome to the Season Close Out of Black Blood Heals. In today's episode, our host, Tamara Weston, reflects on the impactful conversations and insights shared this season. She highlights the diverse range of guests, from physicians discussing the need for more diverse stem cell donors to touching stories of patients and donors. 

Throughout the season, Tamara and our guests have highlighted the importance of joining the registry and the significant impact individuals can have on someone's life with a stem cell transplant. The conversations have emphasized the necessity for people to make informed decisions about joining the registry and understanding the potential impact on their lives and the lives of others. 

Tune in to Black Blood Heals to gain a deeper understanding of each person's critical role in saving lives through the NMDP registry.

 We hope this season has inspired you to learn more about the life-saving potential of joining the NMDP registry and consider how you can make a difference. 

Stay tuned for the upcoming Season 5, where we will continue to bring you compelling stories, valuable insights, and resources on ways to be a change agent and save lives in your community.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Tamara Weston Buzzsprout-14529264 Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 879 bone marrow, bone marrow transplant, transplant registry, blood disorders, be the match 4 10 full false Inside the Life of a Stem Cell Donor: Eboni Nash's Story Inside the Life of a Stem Cell Donor: Eboni Nash's Story Welcome to Black Blood Heals, where we highlight the impactful stories of blood stem cell donors. 

In today's episode, our host, Tamara Weston, sits down with Eboni Nash, a recent donor, to walk us through her donor journey and share insights into the experience of being a stem cell donor. Eboni joined the registry in March 2020, during the early days of the pandemic, and received the call to donate in August 2021, just a year and five months later. She generously shares her entire journey, from joining the registry to going through the bone marrow donation process, and how she has become an advocate for getting more people involved in the registry. Tune in to gain valuable insight into the donor experience and the impact of joining the NMDP stem cell donor registry.

Listen to Eboni's inspiring story and advocacy for increasing registry participation.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Welcome to Black Blood Heals, where we highlight the impactful stories of blood stem cell donors. 

In today's episode, our host, Tamara Weston, sits down with Eboni Nash, a recent donor, to walk us through her donor journey and share insights into the experience of being a stem cell donor. Eboni joined the registry in March 2020, during the early days of the pandemic, and received the call to donate in August 2021, just a year and five months later. She generously shares her entire journey, from joining the registry to going through the bone marrow donation process, and how she has become an advocate for getting more people involved in the registry. Tune in to gain valuable insight into the donor experience and the impact of joining the NMDP stem cell donor registry.

Listen to Eboni's inspiring story and advocacy for increasing registry participation.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Eboni Nash Buzzsprout-14529225 Thu, 23 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 1597 bone marrow, bone marrow transplant, transplant registry, blood disorders, be the match 4 9 full false The Pediatric Perspective: Gene Therapy's Promising Path with Dr. Arnold The Pediatric Perspective: Gene Therapy's Promising Path with Dr. Arnold Welcome to "Black Blood Heals," the podcast spotlighting the cutting-edge advancements in treatments for inherited blood disorders. In today's pediatric-focused episode, we are honored to have Dr. Staci Arnold, a pediatric hematologist and oncologist, join our host, Tamara Weston, to discuss groundbreaking therapies reshaping the lives of young patients. Dr. Arnold brings a wealth of expertise from her work with children ranging from newborns to young adults, mainly those battling sickle cell disease and bone marrow failure syndromes. Today, we're zooming in on the complexities of sickle cell disease, the significance of early detection and ongoing research into gene therapy, and the importance of holistic care including pain management and encouraging physical activity within individual limits.

During our deep dive, Dr. Arnold shares insights on the necessity of newborn screening for conditions like sickle cell disease, emphasizing the critical role early intervention plays in managing this inherited disorder. With a passion for patient education, this episode highlights the misleading nature of initial sickle cell testing and the varied expression of symptoms over time, while touching upon the typical signs in toddlers and newborns. 

Dr. Arnold advocates for empowering families with knowledge about when to manage episodes at home, and when to seek professional medical help. As we explore the evolution of understanding and treatment options for sickle cell and blood cancers, it’s clear that Dr. Arnold's work reflects the mission at the heart of "Black Blood Heals": to bring hope and healing to the youngest patients facing these challenging conditions. To learn more about blood stem cell therapy, transplantation, and to consider joining the fight against blood disorders, visit nmdp.org and become part of a movement that changes lives.



Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Welcome to "Black Blood Heals," the podcast spotlighting the cutting-edge advancements in treatments for inherited blood disorders. In today's pediatric-focused episode, we are honored to have Dr. Staci Arnold, a pediatric hematologist and oncologist, join our host, Tamara Weston, to discuss groundbreaking therapies reshaping the lives of young patients. Dr. Arnold brings a wealth of expertise from her work with children ranging from newborns to young adults, mainly those battling sickle cell disease and bone marrow failure syndromes. Today, we're zooming in on the complexities of sickle cell disease, the significance of early detection and ongoing research into gene therapy, and the importance of holistic care including pain management and encouraging physical activity within individual limits.

During our deep dive, Dr. Arnold shares insights on the necessity of newborn screening for conditions like sickle cell disease, emphasizing the critical role early intervention plays in managing this inherited disorder. With a passion for patient education, this episode highlights the misleading nature of initial sickle cell testing and the varied expression of symptoms over time, while touching upon the typical signs in toddlers and newborns. 

Dr. Arnold advocates for empowering families with knowledge about when to manage episodes at home, and when to seek professional medical help. As we explore the evolution of understanding and treatment options for sickle cell and blood cancers, it’s clear that Dr. Arnold's work reflects the mission at the heart of "Black Blood Heals": to bring hope and healing to the youngest patients facing these challenging conditions. To learn more about blood stem cell therapy, transplantation, and to consider joining the fight against blood disorders, visit nmdp.org and become part of a movement that changes lives.



Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Dr. Staci Arnold Buzzsprout-14452130 Thu, 09 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 1824 bone marrow, bone marrow transplant, transplant registry, blood disorders, NMDP 4 8 full false Exploring Ethnicity's Influence on Stem Cell Transplants Exploring Ethnicity's Influence on Stem Cell Transplants Welcome to "Black Blood Heals," where we explore the groundbreaking world of blood stem cell therapy. In today's episode, brought to you by NMDP, we are joined by Dr. Edward Ziga, an esteemed pediatric specialist in blood marrow transplant and blood stem cell therapy. Dr. Ziga provides crucial insights into the unique challenges faced by the black, latino, and black caribbean communities in need of stem cell transplants, particularly in relation to sickle cell disease and other disorders. As we unravel the complexities of donor-recipient matching, we gain a deeper understanding of the importance of ethnicity and ancestry in donations, as well as the disparities in access to donors for patients with diverse heritages. Dr. Ziga's work in Ghana also sheds light on the global impact of blood stem cell therapy and the opportunities to save lives beyond borders.

We learn about the criticality of expanding the donor registry to include more diverse ethnicities to improve the chances of finding matches for patients from underrepresented communities. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for more individuals, regardless of their background, to join the registry and become potential life-saving donors. Dr. Ziga's passion for his work, dedication to helping patients, and commitment to building a global network for advancing stem cell therapy inspires a call to action for all listeners to consider becoming part of the solution. As we strive to make a lasting impact, we are reminded that it takes all of us to save just one of us.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Welcome to "Black Blood Heals," where we explore the groundbreaking world of blood stem cell therapy. In today's episode, brought to you by NMDP, we are joined by Dr. Edward Ziga, an esteemed pediatric specialist in blood marrow transplant and blood stem cell therapy. Dr. Ziga provides crucial insights into the unique challenges faced by the black, latino, and black caribbean communities in need of stem cell transplants, particularly in relation to sickle cell disease and other disorders. As we unravel the complexities of donor-recipient matching, we gain a deeper understanding of the importance of ethnicity and ancestry in donations, as well as the disparities in access to donors for patients with diverse heritages. Dr. Ziga's work in Ghana also sheds light on the global impact of blood stem cell therapy and the opportunities to save lives beyond borders.

We learn about the criticality of expanding the donor registry to include more diverse ethnicities to improve the chances of finding matches for patients from underrepresented communities. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for more individuals, regardless of their background, to join the registry and become potential life-saving donors. Dr. Ziga's passion for his work, dedication to helping patients, and commitment to building a global network for advancing stem cell therapy inspires a call to action for all listeners to consider becoming part of the solution. As we strive to make a lasting impact, we are reminded that it takes all of us to save just one of us.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Dr. Edward Ziga Buzzsprout-14473750 Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 1471 bone marrow, bone marrow transplant, transplant registry, blood disorders, NMDP 4 7 full false Unpacking Health Equity in Transplant Access Unpacking Health Equity in Transplant Access Welcome to another engaging episode of Black Blood Heals. Today, our host, Tamara Weston, is joined by Karla Dawson, the program manager on the health equity team at NMDP. They delve into the crucial topic of access to transplants and the services NMDP offers for searching patients and patients who have received transplants. 

Karla provides insight into how NMDP is working to ensure equitable access to transplants and resources for all patients, particularly focusing on the needs of the sickle cell community. The discussion touches on the challenges faced in achieving health equity, the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare disparities, and the importance of raising awareness about transplant options. 

Tune in to gain valuable insights into NMDP's efforts to bridge the health equity gap and support patients in their journey to receive life-saving transplants.

Join us in discovering the vital role of NMDP and its dedication to addressing the disparities in healthcare and working toward a future where every patient has equitable access to life-saving treatments.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Welcome to another engaging episode of Black Blood Heals. Today, our host, Tamara Weston, is joined by Karla Dawson, the program manager on the health equity team at NMDP. They delve into the crucial topic of access to transplants and the services NMDP offers for searching patients and patients who have received transplants. 

Karla provides insight into how NMDP is working to ensure equitable access to transplants and resources for all patients, particularly focusing on the needs of the sickle cell community. The discussion touches on the challenges faced in achieving health equity, the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare disparities, and the importance of raising awareness about transplant options. 

Tune in to gain valuable insights into NMDP's efforts to bridge the health equity gap and support patients in their journey to receive life-saving transplants.

Join us in discovering the vital role of NMDP and its dedication to addressing the disparities in healthcare and working toward a future where every patient has equitable access to life-saving treatments.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Karla Dawson Buzzsprout-14529272 Thu, 11 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 1417 bone marrow, bone marrow transplant, transplant registry, blood disorders, be the match 4 6 full false Mobilizing the Youth: Empowering College Students to Make a Difference through NMDP Registry Mobilizing the Youth: Empowering College Students to Make a Difference through NMDP Registry Welcome to another episode of Black Blood Heals. In today's show, we delve into the important work of engaging young people in joining the blood stem cell donor registry. 

Our host, Tamara Weston, sits down with Armani Oliver, a sophomore from Morehouse College and an intern at NMDP, to discuss his efforts to inspire his fellow classmates to join the registry. 

They explore the challenges, successes, and goals of the HBCU program, aiming to increase representation and save more African American lives. Join us as we discover the vital role of young leaders like Armani in the mission to heal and save lives.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Welcome to another episode of Black Blood Heals. In today's show, we delve into the important work of engaging young people in joining the blood stem cell donor registry. 

Our host, Tamara Weston, sits down with Armani Oliver, a sophomore from Morehouse College and an intern at NMDP, to discuss his efforts to inspire his fellow classmates to join the registry. 

They explore the challenges, successes, and goals of the HBCU program, aiming to increase representation and save more African American lives. Join us as we discover the vital role of young leaders like Armani in the mission to heal and save lives.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Armani Oliver Buzzsprout-14409012 Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 1518 bone marrow, bone marrow transplant, transplant registry, blood disorders, NMDP 4 5 full false Increasing Diversity in Stem Cell Donor Registry: The Role of African American Men Increasing Diversity in Stem Cell Donor Registry: The Role of African American Men Welcome to Black Blood Heals, a groundbreaking podcast exploring the world of blood stem cell therapy. In today's episode, sponsored by NMDP, we shine a spotlight on the pressing need for African American men to join the donor registry. Joining us is the esteemed Dr. Jason Payne, an Assistant Professor/Pediatric Hematologist at Morehouse Medical School, whose passion for beating sickle cell disease and dedication to increasing diversity in the donor registry is truly inspiring.

Dr. Payne shares his insights on the need for more representation in the medical field, emphasizing the importance of African American physicians and donors. He discusses the challenges faced by African American patients, particularly in finding stem cell matches, and provides valuable information on the process of joining the registry and becoming a potential donor. The conversation highlights the crucial role of education, advocacy, and community outreach to address disparities and improve access to life-saving treatments.

If you've ever considered making a difference as a donor, don't miss out on the opportunity to learn more about the impact you can make. Visit nmdp.org to discover how you can become part of the solution and help save lives in your community. Let's unite to create meaningful change.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Welcome to Black Blood Heals, a groundbreaking podcast exploring the world of blood stem cell therapy. In today's episode, sponsored by NMDP, we shine a spotlight on the pressing need for African American men to join the donor registry. Joining us is the esteemed Dr. Jason Payne, an Assistant Professor/Pediatric Hematologist at Morehouse Medical School, whose passion for beating sickle cell disease and dedication to increasing diversity in the donor registry is truly inspiring.

Dr. Payne shares his insights on the need for more representation in the medical field, emphasizing the importance of African American physicians and donors. He discusses the challenges faced by African American patients, particularly in finding stem cell matches, and provides valuable information on the process of joining the registry and becoming a potential donor. The conversation highlights the crucial role of education, advocacy, and community outreach to address disparities and improve access to life-saving treatments.

If you've ever considered making a difference as a donor, don't miss out on the opportunity to learn more about the impact you can make. Visit nmdp.org to discover how you can become part of the solution and help save lives in your community. Let's unite to create meaningful change.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Dr. Jason Payne Buzzsprout-14452116 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 1562 bone marrow, bone marrow transplant, transplant registry, blood disorders, NMDP 4 4 full false A Match for Life: The Critical Need for Diversity in Stem Cell Donor Pools A Match for Life: The Critical Need for Diversity in Stem Cell Donor Pools Welcome back to "Black Blood Heals." with host Tamara Weston.  In today's episode, we dive into the critical world of stem cell donation and transplantation. Our esteemed guest, Dr. Brandon Blue, a hematologist-oncologist, brings his invaluable insights to the table as we unpack the crucial role of HLA markers in finding stem cell donor matches, the urgent need for increased African American representation in donor registries, and why this ethnic disparity exists.

We'll explore the barriers to participation, such as a lack of awareness and education within the African American community, and discuss strategies to boost donor numbers. With African Americans currently having only a 29% chance of finding a stem cell match, Dr. Blue highlights the significance of diverse registries, the importance of tailored healthcare education, and the advancements in mismatched donor trials that offer new hope.

From the medications, like filgrastim, that prepare potential donors, to the details of autologous and allogeneic transplants, we'll leave no stone unturned. Dr. Blue also addresses the broader systemic changes needed within healthcare, emphasizing diverse representation among providers, and encourages a culture of openness regarding health issues.

Join us as we tackle how we can support those affected by blood-related cancers, the journey of patients preparing for transplants, and why your role in this fight is more important than ever. It's time to close the gap, one donor, one education session, one life-saving stem cell transplant at a time. 



Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Welcome back to "Black Blood Heals." with host Tamara Weston.  In today's episode, we dive into the critical world of stem cell donation and transplantation. Our esteemed guest, Dr. Brandon Blue, a hematologist-oncologist, brings his invaluable insights to the table as we unpack the crucial role of HLA markers in finding stem cell donor matches, the urgent need for increased African American representation in donor registries, and why this ethnic disparity exists.

We'll explore the barriers to participation, such as a lack of awareness and education within the African American community, and discuss strategies to boost donor numbers. With African Americans currently having only a 29% chance of finding a stem cell match, Dr. Blue highlights the significance of diverse registries, the importance of tailored healthcare education, and the advancements in mismatched donor trials that offer new hope.

From the medications, like filgrastim, that prepare potential donors, to the details of autologous and allogeneic transplants, we'll leave no stone unturned. Dr. Blue also addresses the broader systemic changes needed within healthcare, emphasizing diverse representation among providers, and encourages a culture of openness regarding health issues.

Join us as we tackle how we can support those affected by blood-related cancers, the journey of patients preparing for transplants, and why your role in this fight is more important than ever. It's time to close the gap, one donor, one education session, one life-saving stem cell transplant at a time. 



Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Dr. Brandon Blue Buzzsprout-14408966 Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500 1808 bone marrow, bone marrow transplant, transplant registry, blood disorders, NMDP 4 2 full false The Gift of Life: Donna and Tiana's Unforgettable Encounter The Gift of Life: Donna and Tiana's Unforgettable Encounter Welcome back to Black Blood Heals. This week your host Tamara Weston explores the inspiring story of Donna and Tiana. Tiana, a selfless stem cell donor from Ohio, shares her journey of joining the registry and becoming the life-saving match for Donna, who faced the challenges of myelofibrosis.

Initially, Donna struggled with the complexities of her diagnosis, but her sister's proactive decision to seek the best Cancer Hospital in Houston set the stage for a life-changing event. Donna couldn't believe it when she heard that not just one, but two donors had been found. It was her second chance at life. Tiana's perspective adds a unique layer to the narrative. Tune in to learn about her initial hesitations and the selfless act that followed. She flew from Atlanta to donate bone marrow in DC, grappling with the emotional weight of potentially saving a life. 

Join Us as we explore the depths of their experiences, triumphs, and the profound impact of a second chance at life. Don't forget to share this episode with your friends and family, and visit bethematchblk.orq to learn more about how you can join the registry.



Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Welcome back to Black Blood Heals. This week your host Tamara Weston explores the inspiring story of Donna and Tiana. Tiana, a selfless stem cell donor from Ohio, shares her journey of joining the registry and becoming the life-saving match for Donna, who faced the challenges of myelofibrosis.

Initially, Donna struggled with the complexities of her diagnosis, but her sister's proactive decision to seek the best Cancer Hospital in Houston set the stage for a life-changing event. Donna couldn't believe it when she heard that not just one, but two donors had been found. It was her second chance at life. Tiana's perspective adds a unique layer to the narrative. Tune in to learn about her initial hesitations and the selfless act that followed. She flew from Atlanta to donate bone marrow in DC, grappling with the emotional weight of potentially saving a life. 

Join Us as we explore the depths of their experiences, triumphs, and the profound impact of a second chance at life. Don't forget to share this episode with your friends and family, and visit bethematchblk.orq to learn more about how you can join the registry.



Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Tiana Brashears, Donna Demus Buzzsprout-14408951 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500 1842 bone marrow, bone marrow transplant, transplant registry, blood disorders, NMDP 4 1 full false Providing Emotional Support to Stem Cell & Bone Marrow Donors Providing Emotional Support to Stem Cell & Bone Marrow Donors In today’s episode you’ll be joining Tamara Weston as she discusses the mental preparation required to become a member of the stem cell registry and the potential consequences of choosing not to go forward with a stem cell transplant when you are called to donate. Joining Tamara this week is Caitlyn Squire, a Donor Services Social Worker at Be The Match. 

Caitlyn’s role was created in 2019 to help and support the donors, whom we would not be here without. We know that there is this crazy thing called life that can change our best intentions. If you join the registry when you’re 18, but you get that call at 35, your life is going to look very different. How can you turn a no, that was once a yes, into a yes? Tune in to find out. 

At the end of the day, joining the registry is about giving hope, it’s about giving opportunity. You could give someone 3 more months of kissing their kids at night, or an extra 3 years that could help them get to their son's graduation or their daughter's wedding. It’s our job here to inspire, to educate and to help you make the best decision for you, whether or not that’s donating. Hopefully this episode has helped inspire you to join the registry, because in the end it will take all of us to save one of us. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> In today’s episode you’ll be joining Tamara Weston as she discusses the mental preparation required to become a member of the stem cell registry and the potential consequences of choosing not to go forward with a stem cell transplant when you are called to donate. Joining Tamara this week is Caitlyn Squire, a Donor Services Social Worker at Be The Match. 

Caitlyn’s role was created in 2019 to help and support the donors, whom we would not be here without. We know that there is this crazy thing called life that can change our best intentions. If you join the registry when you’re 18, but you get that call at 35, your life is going to look very different. How can you turn a no, that was once a yes, into a yes? Tune in to find out. 

At the end of the day, joining the registry is about giving hope, it’s about giving opportunity. You could give someone 3 more months of kissing their kids at night, or an extra 3 years that could help them get to their son's graduation or their daughter's wedding. It’s our job here to inspire, to educate and to help you make the best decision for you, whether or not that’s donating. Hopefully this episode has helped inspire you to join the registry, because in the end it will take all of us to save one of us. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Be The Match Buzzsprout-12997018 Thu, 27 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400 2371 bone marrow, bone marrow transplant, transplant registry, blood disorders, be the match 3 11 full false It Takes a Village to Raise a Child with Sickle Cell Disease It Takes a Village to Raise a Child with Sickle Cell Disease Imagine being the mother of three children with a life threatening disease. A disease that doesn’t care about age, time or place. How do you bottle the strength, the faith and the will to beat a disease that doesn’t fight fair? Today Tamara Weston is joined by Millapar Dahn, Founder and CEO of MTS Sickle Cell Foundation Inc and the mother of three daughters suffering from sickle cell disease.

Get an insight into the work that Millapar is doing for the sickle cell community and what her day to day life looks like as the mother of three daughters suffering from sickle cell disease. Over the last ten years her children have endured over 10 surgeries and over 100 blood transfusions but throughout this episode you’ll hear how this inspiring mother has been fueled by these battles to help this community in so many ways. 

June 19th is also sickle cell awareness day so Millapar invites you to use your Juneteenth events to help spread awareness for this disease because it really will require us to heal us. Share this episode to help raise awareness and visit mythreesicklers.org to learn how you can get involved with Millapar and the work that she’s doing for the sickle cell community. 

Resources:

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Imagine being the mother of three children with a life threatening disease. A disease that doesn’t care about age, time or place. How do you bottle the strength, the faith and the will to beat a disease that doesn’t fight fair? Today Tamara Weston is joined by Millapar Dahn, Founder and CEO of MTS Sickle Cell Foundation Inc and the mother of three daughters suffering from sickle cell disease.

Get an insight into the work that Millapar is doing for the sickle cell community and what her day to day life looks like as the mother of three daughters suffering from sickle cell disease. Over the last ten years her children have endured over 10 surgeries and over 100 blood transfusions but throughout this episode you’ll hear how this inspiring mother has been fueled by these battles to help this community in so many ways. 

June 19th is also sickle cell awareness day so Millapar invites you to use your Juneteenth events to help spread awareness for this disease because it really will require us to heal us. Share this episode to help raise awareness and visit mythreesicklers.org to learn how you can get involved with Millapar and the work that she’s doing for the sickle cell community. 

Resources:

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Be The Match Buzzsprout-12956290 Thu, 13 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400 2236 bone marrow, bone marrow transplant, transplant registry, blood disorders, be the match 3 10 full false How a Bone Marrow Transplant Gave Jermaine Reid a Second Chance at Life How a Bone Marrow Transplant Gave Jermaine Reid a Second Chance at Life Welcome back to Black Blood Heals. This week your host Tamara Weston is joined by Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) survivor and Be The Match advocate, Jermaine Reid. It’s been 13 years since Jermaine was diagnosed with AML and treated with a bone marrow transplant.  In 2010, he had a feeling that he needed to go to the doctor, and it was this decision that saved his life.

Throughout this episode you’ll meet the nurses, doctors and patients who inspired him, who helped him heal, and who made him laugh along the way. Now, being connected with Be The Match has  given him a platform to share his story, inspire others and bring infectious joy into the lives of everyone he meets. 

Tune in to find out what Jermaine is doing with the second chance at life that he was given, thanks to receiving a life changing bone marrow transplant. Don’t forget to share this episode with your friends and family, and visit bethematchblk.org to learn more about how you can join the registry. Because it will take all of us to save one of us. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Welcome back to Black Blood Heals. This week your host Tamara Weston is joined by Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) survivor and Be The Match advocate, Jermaine Reid. It’s been 13 years since Jermaine was diagnosed with AML and treated with a bone marrow transplant.  In 2010, he had a feeling that he needed to go to the doctor, and it was this decision that saved his life.

Throughout this episode you’ll meet the nurses, doctors and patients who inspired him, who helped him heal, and who made him laugh along the way. Now, being connected with Be The Match has  given him a platform to share his story, inspire others and bring infectious joy into the lives of everyone he meets. 

Tune in to find out what Jermaine is doing with the second chance at life that he was given, thanks to receiving a life changing bone marrow transplant. Don’t forget to share this episode with your friends and family, and visit bethematchblk.org to learn more about how you can join the registry. Because it will take all of us to save one of us. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Be The Match Buzzsprout-12808742 Thu, 29 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400 2596 bone marrow , blood, leukemia 3 9 full false How HLA Typing is Used to Identify a Stem Cell Match How HLA Typing is Used to Identify a Stem Cell Match Welcome back to Black Blood Heals by Be The Match. This week, your host Tamara Weston is joined by Stephanie Lerach, senior immunogenic specialist at Be The Match. Stephanie and her team work with Be The Match to help transplant centers find the best matches for searching patients. You’re going to want to get a pen and paper ready because this episode is going to dive into the technicalities of HLA typing, how our genes and proteins work, and how Be The Match actually finds donor matches for patients. 

HLA testing is complex and around 70% of patients are going to have to turn to the registry to find a match. So let’s dive into what HLA testing is and why it’s important. This episode will cover what it takes to find a match but you’ll also learn about how your HLA tissues help protect your body, where you get your HLA typing from and a deeper insight into the role that ethnic background plays in stem cell donation. 

Black Blood Heals is here to act as a resource and break down barriers to help you feel more comfortable joining the registry, and more confident in understanding the process of stem cell donation. Visit bethematchblk.org to learn more about joining the registry and remember, it will take all of us to save one of us. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Welcome back to Black Blood Heals by Be The Match. This week, your host Tamara Weston is joined by Stephanie Lerach, senior immunogenic specialist at Be The Match. Stephanie and her team work with Be The Match to help transplant centers find the best matches for searching patients. You’re going to want to get a pen and paper ready because this episode is going to dive into the technicalities of HLA typing, how our genes and proteins work, and how Be The Match actually finds donor matches for patients. 

HLA testing is complex and around 70% of patients are going to have to turn to the registry to find a match. So let’s dive into what HLA testing is and why it’s important. This episode will cover what it takes to find a match but you’ll also learn about how your HLA tissues help protect your body, where you get your HLA typing from and a deeper insight into the role that ethnic background plays in stem cell donation. 

Black Blood Heals is here to act as a resource and break down barriers to help you feel more comfortable joining the registry, and more confident in understanding the process of stem cell donation. Visit bethematchblk.org to learn more about joining the registry and remember, it will take all of us to save one of us. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Be The Match Buzzsprout-12770555 Thu, 15 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400 2421 bone marrow, bone marrow transplant, transplant registry, blood disorders, be the match 3 8 full false Advocacy for Stem Cell Research with Be The Match Advocacy for Stem Cell Research with Be The Match Welcome back to Black Blood Heals with your host, Tamara Weston. This week Tamara is joined by Jocelyn Thompson, an advocacy specialist with Be The Match. In this episode you’ll get a chance to learn more about the government relationships that Be The Match has formed with local and federal lawmakers, and why those relationships are so important for protecting donor’s rights and furthering the research needed to save lives. 

The story of Henrietta Lacks has been shared time and time again in regards to medical research, her cancer cells, which were taken without her consent have raised important ethical questions about medical research and patient rights. Today Be The Match works with advocates and lawmakers around the country to ensure the safety and ethical treatment of both donors and recipients.

Tune in to learn more about some of the ways that Jocelyn and her team are working with lawmakers to fund research projects and help provide donors with job protection if they need to take time away from work to donate. Visit https://bethematch.org/advocacy to become a digital advocate and to learn more about how you can help Jocelyn and her team work directly with lawmakers to make a real difference in your community. Because it will take all of us to save one of us.


Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Welcome back to Black Blood Heals with your host, Tamara Weston. This week Tamara is joined by Jocelyn Thompson, an advocacy specialist with Be The Match. In this episode you’ll get a chance to learn more about the government relationships that Be The Match has formed with local and federal lawmakers, and why those relationships are so important for protecting donor’s rights and furthering the research needed to save lives. 

The story of Henrietta Lacks has been shared time and time again in regards to medical research, her cancer cells, which were taken without her consent have raised important ethical questions about medical research and patient rights. Today Be The Match works with advocates and lawmakers around the country to ensure the safety and ethical treatment of both donors and recipients.

Tune in to learn more about some of the ways that Jocelyn and her team are working with lawmakers to fund research projects and help provide donors with job protection if they need to take time away from work to donate. Visit https://bethematch.org/advocacy to become a digital advocate and to learn more about how you can help Jocelyn and her team work directly with lawmakers to make a real difference in your community. Because it will take all of us to save one of us.


Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Be The Match Buzzsprout-12630007 Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400 1898 3 7 full false Beating Sickle Cell: Winning With Faith and a Bone Marrow Transplant Beating Sickle Cell: Winning With Faith and a Bone Marrow Transplant This week on Black Blood Heals, Tamara Weston is joined by Constance Benson 10 years after the bone marrow transplant that saved her life and cured her of sickle cell anemia. Choosing to receive the bone marrow transplant wasn’t an easy decision for Constance. She had spent her whole life thus far dealing with her pain and with her disease. So much of her identity was wrapped up in sickle cell anemia.

With the support of her incredible family, and her younger sister who was her donor, Constance was able to be cured and she finally got to live a life without pain. Now, she joins us with her inspiring story, diving into the details and steps of getting her bone marrow transplant. Constance shares her truth, helps break down myths about bone marrow transplants, and shares with an honest clarity her pain and her journey learning to live again.

Constance has a powerful message of advocacy and reminds you that if the people in your life and more importantly, if the doctors in your life are not advocating for you, are not hearing you, then they are replaceable. Constance’s message: Your life is worth fighting for. Always advocate for yourself and do what is best for you

Learn more about Be the Match and join the registry at bethematchblk.org. In the end, it will take all of us to save one of us.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> This week on Black Blood Heals, Tamara Weston is joined by Constance Benson 10 years after the bone marrow transplant that saved her life and cured her of sickle cell anemia. Choosing to receive the bone marrow transplant wasn’t an easy decision for Constance. She had spent her whole life thus far dealing with her pain and with her disease. So much of her identity was wrapped up in sickle cell anemia.

With the support of her incredible family, and her younger sister who was her donor, Constance was able to be cured and she finally got to live a life without pain. Now, she joins us with her inspiring story, diving into the details and steps of getting her bone marrow transplant. Constance shares her truth, helps break down myths about bone marrow transplants, and shares with an honest clarity her pain and her journey learning to live again.

Constance has a powerful message of advocacy and reminds you that if the people in your life and more importantly, if the doctors in your life are not advocating for you, are not hearing you, then they are replaceable. Constance’s message: Your life is worth fighting for. Always advocate for yourself and do what is best for you

Learn more about Be the Match and join the registry at bethematchblk.org. In the end, it will take all of us to save one of us.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Be The Match Buzzsprout-12502843 Thu, 18 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400 2106 3 6 full false From Swab to Biorepository: How Does Be The Match search for a Match. From Swab to Biorepository: How Does Be The Match search for a Match. Welcome back to Black Blood Heals. This week Tamara Weston is joined by Jessica Henry, manager of the Biorepository Services at Be the Match. Today they are talking about what happens once you swab and send your sample back to Be the Match.

When you hear the names Henrietta Lacks or Tuskegee Experiment, what does that mean to you? Those are names that for generations have been passed down within the African American communities along with a fear of doctors, of health institutions, of giving blood, DNA and organs. All of that stems from those names and those similar to them, both past and present.

Be the Match knows they have a responsibility to be transparent about what happens to your sample from the moment your swab arrives in their facilities. Join this virtual tour of the biorepository, as Jessica and Tamara explain what it means to be on the registry and answer questions like, how long your sample is stored, what your sample is used for and what happens if you want to be removed from the registry.

Learn more about Be the Match at bethematchblk.org and share this podcast to help educate, inspire and provide resources to those looking for a cure to blood cancer and blood diseases, either for themselves or someone they love. Because it will take all of us to save one of us 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Welcome back to Black Blood Heals. This week Tamara Weston is joined by Jessica Henry, manager of the Biorepository Services at Be the Match. Today they are talking about what happens once you swab and send your sample back to Be the Match.

When you hear the names Henrietta Lacks or Tuskegee Experiment, what does that mean to you? Those are names that for generations have been passed down within the African American communities along with a fear of doctors, of health institutions, of giving blood, DNA and organs. All of that stems from those names and those similar to them, both past and present.

Be the Match knows they have a responsibility to be transparent about what happens to your sample from the moment your swab arrives in their facilities. Join this virtual tour of the biorepository, as Jessica and Tamara explain what it means to be on the registry and answer questions like, how long your sample is stored, what your sample is used for and what happens if you want to be removed from the registry.

Learn more about Be the Match at bethematchblk.org and share this podcast to help educate, inspire and provide resources to those looking for a cure to blood cancer and blood diseases, either for themselves or someone they love. Because it will take all of us to save one of us 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Be The Match Buzzsprout-12502435 Thu, 04 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400 1128 3 5 full false Donating Stem Cells and Bone Marrow: Risks and Myths Donating Stem Cells and Bone Marrow: Risks and Myths Welcome back to Black Blood Heals, this week your host Tamara Weston is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Stenger, a pediatrician with further training in hematology-oncology (blood cancer and blood and marrow transplants). Dr. Stenger is also an assistant professor at Emory University and its affiliate with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

In this episode, Dr. Stenger is answering some of the top questions we get from our community about the risks and the process of donation. She explains the differences between related and unrelated donors, the differences between blood and bone marrow transplants and so much more. You’ll get an inside look into the research that’s being done to make transplants safer and a deeper understanding of the process for both patients and donors, and the risks involved.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Welcome back to Black Blood Heals, this week your host Tamara Weston is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Stenger, a pediatrician with further training in hematology-oncology (blood cancer and blood and marrow transplants). Dr. Stenger is also an assistant professor at Emory University and its affiliate with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

In this episode, Dr. Stenger is answering some of the top questions we get from our community about the risks and the process of donation. She explains the differences between related and unrelated donors, the differences between blood and bone marrow transplants and so much more. You’ll get an inside look into the research that’s being done to make transplants safer and a deeper understanding of the process for both patients and donors, and the risks involved.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Be The Match Buzzsprout-12502317 Thu, 20 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400 2404 3 4 full false The Process of Bone Marrow Donation with Antonio Russell The Process of Bone Marrow Donation with Antonio Russell Welcome back to Black Blood Heals. This week Tamara Weston is joined by Antonio Russell, a recent donor who’s here to tell his story from the day he joined the registry to the day he donated 26 years later. Tamara and Antonio are going to bust myths about donating as they talk about the procedure, cost of donating, and overall experience.

It’s 1996 and Antonio Russell has just graduated highschool. He joined the Be The Match registry at a drive for a local girl in his community though it was 26 years later when he got a call to donate for a young boy. His response to that call was a resounding “Yes, I will do whatever you need me to do.”

He has since become an advocate for Be The Match in his community, spreading awareness and offering kits to people who want to learn more and join the registry. This week’s episode is a beautiful reminder of how important it is for our communities to come together. Tune in to Antonio’s story and experience and don’t forget to visit bethematchblk.org to learn more–because it will take all of us to save one of us.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Welcome back to Black Blood Heals. This week Tamara Weston is joined by Antonio Russell, a recent donor who’s here to tell his story from the day he joined the registry to the day he donated 26 years later. Tamara and Antonio are going to bust myths about donating as they talk about the procedure, cost of donating, and overall experience.

It’s 1996 and Antonio Russell has just graduated highschool. He joined the Be The Match registry at a drive for a local girl in his community though it was 26 years later when he got a call to donate for a young boy. His response to that call was a resounding “Yes, I will do whatever you need me to do.”

He has since become an advocate for Be The Match in his community, spreading awareness and offering kits to people who want to learn more and join the registry. This week’s episode is a beautiful reminder of how important it is for our communities to come together. Tune in to Antonio’s story and experience and don’t forget to visit bethematchblk.org to learn more–because it will take all of us to save one of us.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Be The Match Buzzsprout-12548467 Thu, 06 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400 1943 3 3 full false Here to Listen: How Be The Match is Showing up for African American Communities Here to Listen: How Be The Match is Showing up for African American Communities Welcome back to Black Blood Heals. This week, your host Tamara Weston is joined by Chelsy Shoger, marketing research manager at Be The Match. Learn  how Chelsy and her team work specifically to engage the community and encourage them to open up to sincerely share with us why they will or why they will not join the registry.

Chelsy has heard countless, first hand stories about the mistreatment of patients within Black and African American communities that have continued to spread distrust and fear towards the healthcare industry. In this episode you’ll hear the real world hurdles that the community faces from a fear of seeing their own doctor for a physical to a mother still being mistreated simply because of the color of her skin.  

Tune in to learn more about what Be The Match does with the community feedback that Chelsy’s team gather, and how Be The Match is working to show up 365 days a year, as opposed to 28 days for Black History Month. Subscribe to Black Blood Heals and share this episode to help raise awareness for the work that Be The Match is doing to help grow the donor registry within ethnic and African American communities. Remember, it will take all of us to save one of us. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Welcome back to Black Blood Heals. This week, your host Tamara Weston is joined by Chelsy Shoger, marketing research manager at Be The Match. Learn  how Chelsy and her team work specifically to engage the community and encourage them to open up to sincerely share with us why they will or why they will not join the registry.

Chelsy has heard countless, first hand stories about the mistreatment of patients within Black and African American communities that have continued to spread distrust and fear towards the healthcare industry. In this episode you’ll hear the real world hurdles that the community faces from a fear of seeing their own doctor for a physical to a mother still being mistreated simply because of the color of her skin.  

Tune in to learn more about what Be The Match does with the community feedback that Chelsy’s team gather, and how Be The Match is working to show up 365 days a year, as opposed to 28 days for Black History Month. Subscribe to Black Blood Heals and share this episode to help raise awareness for the work that Be The Match is doing to help grow the donor registry within ethnic and African American communities. Remember, it will take all of us to save one of us. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Be The Match Buzzsprout-12487379 Thu, 23 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400 2071 bone marrow, bone marrow transplant, transplant registry, blood disorders, be the match 3 2 full false Saving Lives with Community Outreach & Stem Cell Donation Saving Lives with Community Outreach & Stem Cell Donation This week Tamara Weston is joined by Xavier Brandon, Supervisor of HBCU Programs at Be The Match. Learn how both Xavier and Tamara got involved with Be The Match and the work that’s being done on the ground, in our communities to help the registry for Be The Match grow.

Community involvement looks like being outside, having those difficult conversations with people and busting those myths around bone marrow and stem cell transplants. There’s a deep distrust between Black and African American communities and the healthcare industry. The most important work that Be The Match can do is rebuild that trust, and that’s simply work that cannot be done with digital campaigns and social media. 

Today, Xavier is training the next generation of interns and change makers with Be The Match. Throughout this episode you’ll feel his passion for Be The Match, his reminders that this has to be a community movement, and that we all have to work together to save each other. 

If you only take away one piece of advice from this episode, it’s a reminder to be bold. You weren’t put on this earth to be mediocre, you were put on this earth to make an impact and change a life. 

Get involved with Be The Match today, because it will take all of us to save one of us. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> This week Tamara Weston is joined by Xavier Brandon, Supervisor of HBCU Programs at Be The Match. Learn how both Xavier and Tamara got involved with Be The Match and the work that’s being done on the ground, in our communities to help the registry for Be The Match grow.

Community involvement looks like being outside, having those difficult conversations with people and busting those myths around bone marrow and stem cell transplants. There’s a deep distrust between Black and African American communities and the healthcare industry. The most important work that Be The Match can do is rebuild that trust, and that’s simply work that cannot be done with digital campaigns and social media. 

Today, Xavier is training the next generation of interns and change makers with Be The Match. Throughout this episode you’ll feel his passion for Be The Match, his reminders that this has to be a community movement, and that we all have to work together to save each other. 

If you only take away one piece of advice from this episode, it’s a reminder to be bold. You weren’t put on this earth to be mediocre, you were put on this earth to make an impact and change a life. 

Get involved with Be The Match today, because it will take all of us to save one of us. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> https://bethematchblk.org Be The Match Buzzsprout-12404106 Thu, 09 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500 1653 bone marrow, bone marrow transplant, transplant registry, blood disorders, be the match 3 1 full false Introducing Season 3 of Black Blood Heals from Be The Match Introducing Season 3 of Black Blood Heals from Be The Match There are over 70 blood disorders known today. Diseases like Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Sickle Cell Anemia – but did you know that a cure can exist? This season of Black Blood Heals is going to focus on providing you with information from experts, patients, and life-saving change makers to learn more about stem cell and bone marrow transplants. 

Black Blood Heals is a resource for anyone looking for information about these transplants as a possible cure. In each episode, your host Tamara Weston will share facts, dispel myths and talk with experts and guests whose lives are impacted by a need for stem cell transplants. 

Tune in every week to learn how you can help change the lives of some of the most vulnerable in our communities. 

Because in the end it will take all of us to save one of us. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> There are over 70 blood disorders known today. Diseases like Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Sickle Cell Anemia – but did you know that a cure can exist? This season of Black Blood Heals is going to focus on providing you with information from experts, patients, and life-saving change makers to learn more about stem cell and bone marrow transplants. 

Black Blood Heals is a resource for anyone looking for information about these transplants as a possible cure. In each episode, your host Tamara Weston will share facts, dispel myths and talk with experts and guests whose lives are impacted by a need for stem cell transplants. 

Tune in every week to learn how you can help change the lives of some of the most vulnerable in our communities. 

Because in the end it will take all of us to save one of us. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Be The Match Buzzsprout-12404033 Thu, 09 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500 169 bone marrow, bone marrow transplant, transplant registry, blood disorders, be the match 3 trailer false My Brother, My Match My Brother, My Match In this episode of Black Blood Heals, Austin Jackson, Offensive Tackle for the Miami Dolphins, sits down with his sister, Autumn, to share why he decided to donate his marrow to cure her of a life-threatening blood disease. Hear about Austin's experience as he stepped away from playing college football at the University of Southern California for a few weeks to save his sister's life.

Today, Autumn has recovered fully from Diamond Blackfan anemia, and no longer relies on monthly blood transfusions to keep her active and healthy. She's starting to pursue her life goals, while Austin recovered quickly from his marrow donation to return to dominating on the football field, and eventually made it to the pros.

Austin and Autumn are sharing their story to encourage more African Americans to join the Be The Match Registry – because only 30 percent of patients have a matching donor in their family. The remaining 70 percent turn to Be The Match to find a matching donor. This powerful sibling duo will inspire you to join a team of lifesaving donors.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> In this episode of Black Blood Heals, Austin Jackson, Offensive Tackle for the Miami Dolphins, sits down with his sister, Autumn, to share why he decided to donate his marrow to cure her of a life-threatening blood disease. Hear about Austin's experience as he stepped away from playing college football at the University of Southern California for a few weeks to save his sister's life.

Today, Autumn has recovered fully from Diamond Blackfan anemia, and no longer relies on monthly blood transfusions to keep her active and healthy. She's starting to pursue her life goals, while Austin recovered quickly from his marrow donation to return to dominating on the football field, and eventually made it to the pros.

Austin and Autumn are sharing their story to encourage more African Americans to join the Be The Match Registry – because only 30 percent of patients have a matching donor in their family. The remaining 70 percent turn to Be The Match to find a matching donor. This powerful sibling duo will inspire you to join a team of lifesaving donors.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Tamara Buzzsprout-12322394 Mon, 20 Sep 2021 14:00:00 -0400 1609 2 4 full false The Pain You Can’t See The Pain You Can’t See Hear from several sickle cell warriors who want to bring awareness to the mental impact of fighting a disease that can’t be seen and often is misunderstood by those not directly affected including medical providers. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Hear from several sickle cell warriors who want to bring awareness to the mental impact of fighting a disease that can’t be seen and often is misunderstood by those not directly affected including medical providers. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Tamara Buzzsprout-12322516 Tue, 24 Aug 2021 14:00:00 -0400 3223 2 5 full false How Medical Disparities Affect Sickle Cell Patients How Medical Disparities Affect Sickle Cell Patients This episode of Black Blood Heals looks at how medical disparities affect people in the sickle cell community. Sickle Cell affects 1 in 365 African-Americans, about 100,000 individuals in the U.S.. Sickle Cell is the most common inherited or genetic disease in the U.S., yet historically receives far less funding than diseases which primarily affect Caucasian populations. Hear from Dr. Simone Eastman Uwan, a Stanford Medical School trained Family Physician and Author who actively manages her own battle with Sickle Cell disease.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> This episode of Black Blood Heals looks at how medical disparities affect people in the sickle cell community. Sickle Cell affects 1 in 365 African-Americans, about 100,000 individuals in the U.S.. Sickle Cell is the most common inherited or genetic disease in the U.S., yet historically receives far less funding than diseases which primarily affect Caucasian populations. Hear from Dr. Simone Eastman Uwan, a Stanford Medical School trained Family Physician and Author who actively manages her own battle with Sickle Cell disease.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Tamara Buzzsprout-12322326 Mon, 26 Apr 2021 14:00:00 -0400 1782 full false Medical Apartheid: Know Our History Medical Apartheid: Know Our History Black Blood Heals delves into the dark history of medical experimentation on African Americans as chronicled by Harriet Washington, author of Medical Apartheid. Ms. Washington is a science writer, editor and medical ethicist who has been a Research Fellow in Medical Ethics at Harvard Medical School. Her book, Medical Apartheid, is the first full history of Black America’s shocking mistreatment at the hands of the medical establishment.

 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Black Blood Heals delves into the dark history of medical experimentation on African Americans as chronicled by Harriet Washington, author of Medical Apartheid. Ms. Washington is a science writer, editor and medical ethicist who has been a Research Fellow in Medical Ethics at Harvard Medical School. Her book, Medical Apartheid, is the first full history of Black America’s shocking mistreatment at the hands of the medical establishment.

 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Tamara Buzzsprout-12322302 Tue, 16 Feb 2021 13:00:00 -0500 2078 2 2 full false Blood Sisters: How Kianna Saved Corinne’s Life Blood Sisters: How Kianna Saved Corinne’s Life When Corinne celebrated her 21st birthday in Las Vegas, she was joined by the young woman who saved her life. Hear the story of two 20-something incredible Black women whose bond is unbreakable in this episode of Black Blood Heals.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> When Corinne celebrated her 21st birthday in Las Vegas, she was joined by the young woman who saved her life. Hear the story of two 20-something incredible Black women whose bond is unbreakable in this episode of Black Blood Heals.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Tamara Buzzsprout-12322275 Wed, 23 Dec 2020 13:00:00 -0500 2034 2 1 full false How Cord Blood Donations Can Cure Leukemia and Sickle Cell How Cord Blood Donations Can Cure Leukemia and Sickle Cell This episode discusses the power of blood found in the umbilical cord from a newborn baby to cure blood cancer like leukemia or blood diseases like sickle cell.  We’ll also discuss how this (often called) medical waste could save someone’s life who may not be able to find a donor match. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> This episode discusses the power of blood found in the umbilical cord from a newborn baby to cure blood cancer like leukemia or blood diseases like sickle cell.  We’ll also discuss how this (often called) medical waste could save someone’s life who may not be able to find a donor match. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Tamara Buzzsprout-12322243 Wed, 30 Sep 2020 13:00:00 -0400 1300 1 5 full false Walela’s Search for a Match Walela’s Search for a Match This episode dives deeper into the impact of the disparity African American patients face when battling cancer.  We’ll also hear from a patient who has faced medical bias and their search for a cure. Lastly, we learn more about the stem cell matching process. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> This episode dives deeper into the impact of the disparity African American patients face when battling cancer.  We’ll also hear from a patient who has faced medical bias and their search for a cure. Lastly, we learn more about the stem cell matching process. 

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Tamara Buzzsprout-12322139 Fri, 04 Sep 2020 13:00:00 -0400 753 1 4 full false Health Disparities in the Black Community Health Disparities in the Black Community Dr. Corey Hebert and Dr. Indria Gillespie discuss the health care disparities that affect African American communities and highlight some of the factors that contribute to the struggle against chronic diseases. Erica Jensen, SVP- Be The Match, discusses the Stem Cell Registry and searching patient Camille Williams, shares her journey as she waits for a matching donor to help cure her of her blood disease.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Dr. Corey Hebert and Dr. Indria Gillespie discuss the health care disparities that affect African American communities and highlight some of the factors that contribute to the struggle against chronic diseases. Erica Jensen, SVP- Be The Match, discusses the Stem Cell Registry and searching patient Camille Williams, shares her journey as she waits for a matching donor to help cure her of her blood disease.

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Tamara Buzzsprout-12321942 Wed, 27 May 2020 12:00:00 -0400 2451 1 2 full false Natalia and Briana Natalia and Briana Natalia signed up to save a life as a student at Grambling State University, but she wouldn’t get the call to be a donor until years later. She says being a blood stem cell donor is the easiest way to become a hero. Meanwhile, 26-year-old Briana is suffering from a life-threatening blood disorder called aplastic anemia. While weekly blood transfusions keep her alive, she is hoping a donor match will be found soon. Hear their stories and more in this episode of Black Blood Heals:

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Natalia signed up to save a life as a student at Grambling State University, but she wouldn’t get the call to be a donor until years later. She says being a blood stem cell donor is the easiest way to become a hero. Meanwhile, 26-year-old Briana is suffering from a life-threatening blood disorder called aplastic anemia. While weekly blood transfusions keep her alive, she is hoping a donor match will be found soon. Hear their stories and more in this episode of Black Blood Heals:

Get Involved

Black Blood Heals is produced  by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com 

Follow NMDP Black Blood Heals online: 

Listen to other Black Blood Heals episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

]]> Tamara Buzzsprout-12321718 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 12:00:00 -0400 753 1 1 full false