You probably know Mia Hamm as the ubiquitous ‘90s soccer icon. Maybe you taped life-size posters on your bedroom walls to channel her drive and determination. What you might not know is that, these days, she’s championing a different kind of cause.
More than 25 years ago, Hamm lost her brother to complications from a bone marrow transplant, a procedure that can be used for someone suffering from blood cancer or a blood disorder to receive new blood-forming and immune cells from a donor. Since then, she has been committed to advocating for transplant patients through the Mia Hamm Foundation. More recently, she is working to raise awareness of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a life-threatening complication that can follow a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.
Now, Hamm is rallying behind those living with GVHD and raising awareness about why it is so important for those affected to pay close attention to any new or changing symptoms.
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What You Need to Know About Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD)—and How Soccer Star Mia Hamm Is Raising Awareness
During a bone marrow transplant, which more than 8,000 people in the United States undergo each year, a donor’s healthy stem cells replace the patient’s diseased bone marrow. GVHD is a potential complication following a bone marrow transplant in which the new donor immune cells attack the recipient's organs and tissues.
“Bone marrow transplantations are an important part of treatment for certain cancers, most commonly those that affect the blood or immune systems,” says Miguel-Angel Perales, MD, chief of the Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
There are two types of GVHD. Acute GVHD typically occurs within the first 100 days after a transplant, while chronic GVHD usually develops more than 100 days post-procedure. According to Dr. Perales, 40 to 60 percent of bone marrow transplant patients develop either acute or chronic GVHD.
“Although GVHD is different for everybody, living with it isn't easy for anybody.”
—Mia Hamm
—Miguel-Angel Perales, MD
“It is vital that anyone who has undergone a bone marrow transplant monitor their post-transplant symptoms closely, as they may be difficult to spot but can quickly worsen and cause irreversible organ damage.”
GVHD can be challenging to manage, because it is hard to predict and can present with a wide range of symptoms from person to person. While the severity of symptoms can vary, GVHD typically affects the skin and GI tract, as well as eyes and mouth, lungs, joints, or muscles in chronic cases.
Dr. Perales emphasizes the importance of closely monitoring symptoms to prevent long-term complications. He advises that both bone marrow transplant patients and their caregivers remain vigilant post-transplant and report any new or changing symptoms to their healthcare team immediately.
“Early and accurate diagnosis is imperative to managing symptoms and to begin providing the patient with the care they need,” Dr. Perales says. “The approach to monitoring and treating GVHD should be personalized for each individual, and regular check-ins with a trusted healthcare provider are critical.”
Tracking GVHD Symptoms Tracking GVHD Symptoms Tracking GVHD Symptoms Tracking GVHD Symptoms Tracking GVHD Symptoms Tracking GVHD Symptoms Tracking GVHD Symptoms Tracking GVHD Symptoms
Because swift recognition and action are so important with GVHD, Hamm is teaming up with the GVHD Challengers: a group of inspiring individuals living with GVHD who are on a mission to raise awareness about its signs and symptoms. They believe that sharing their experiences will help others recognize GVHD symptoms earlier, which ultimately can help prevent long-term consequences.
Loriana* was diagnosed with GVHD in 2014 after her leukemia treatment required a bone marrow transplant. Loriana struggled to come to terms with her diagnosis of GVHD due to its complex and unpredictable nature. As her condition changed from acute to chronic, she developed a rash that covered her entire body, making it feel like her own skin was attacking her. On top of that, she faced difficulties with eating and finding food her body could tolerate due to her gastrointestinal symptoms from GVHD.
She says it was the unwavering presence of her loved ones and healthcare providers that empowered her to stay motivated and eventually find the right treatment for her grueling symptoms. “Loriana has been a force in the GVHD community for years,” Hamm says. “She's a pro at managing chronic symptoms and has inspired many by sharing her experience living with GVHD.”
Another GVHD Challenger, Brad*, shares his story as inspiration to those facing chronic illness. Extreme fatigue and temporary blindness from GVHD kept Brad from doing the things he loved. Now, by tracking his symptoms and working closely with his health-care team, Brad is one step closer to finding relief. He hopes his story will encourage others to never hesitate to ask questions or raise concerns with their doctor.
Loriana and Brad’s experiences show a small glimpse into what life with GVHD looks like. But they both underscore the importance of being vigilant while monitoring GVHD symptoms to help prevent long-term consequences.
Meet the GVHD Challengers Meet the GVHD Challengers Meet the GVHD Challengers Meet the GVHD Challengers Meet the GVHD Challengers Meet the GVHD Challengers Meet the GVHD Challengers Meet the GVHD Challengers
—Brad, GVHD Challenger
“I want others to know that even though it’s tough,
with the right support system, you will find a way through.”
*Last name has been redacted to respect the subject’s privacy. Dr. Perales has financial interests related to Incyte.
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To learn more about GVHD and hear from other GVHD Challengers, visit GVHDnow.com/fans.