The Meredith A. Cowden Foundation
What We Do
Raising Funding For Blood Cancer & GVHD Research
The Meredith A. Cowden Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that was started by Gerald and Marti Cowden in 2007, six years after their daughter, Meredith, received a Bone Marrow Transplant for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), and subsequently developed Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD). The foundation was created to increase education and support for patients, as well as to promote research and novel treatments for GVHD.
Our Events
GvHD Symposium and more!
Research
Funding groundbreaking research to discover a cure for GvHD
Donate
When you donate to GvHD research, you’re making a lasting difference
What is Graft Vs. Host Disease?
Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD) is a common complication after a stem cell or bone marrow transplant from another person. Immune cells (white blood cells) in the donated marrow or stem cells (the graft) recognize the recipient (the host) as “foreign.” The transplanted immune cells then attack the host’s cells. GVHD presents itself in many ways — some acute, some chronic, sadly sometimes fatal. An estimated 50 percent of all leukemia and other blood cancer patients contract GvHD following their transplant. A prominent physician once stated that with a Bone Marrow Transplant, a patient trades one disease that will kill you (leukemia) for another disease that might kill you (GVHD).
Volunteer
The Meredith A. Cowden Foundation volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. They fundraise, they advocate for life-saving change, and they’re committed to helping us achieve our mission.
We’d love for you to join them. For more information on how to volunteer, please contact us at Info@Cowdenfoundation.org
The GvHD Symposium
Cowden Craft Series
Latest News
Season 12 of the Marrow Masters Podcast
Check out the latest season of the Marrow Masters podcast. This season, titled "I'm Home, Now What?" dives into a crucial phase of the journey – the period after returning home. It offers invaluable insights, guidance, and support for individuals who have completed...
Lunch & Learn with the LINK – Nutrition and the Holidays
Serving up Nutritional Know How and Resources as We Gear Up for the Holidays When: Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at Noon EST Note: start time will vary by time zone The nbmtLINK invites you to participate in this FREE session. Register Here Today! A Telephone...
Chronic GVHD Webinar Presented by nbmtLINK – Improving Life for Patients
Improving Life for Patients with cGVHD with a Focus on Lung Issues, Psychosocial Support, a Personal Perspective, and More When: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Noon EST to 1:30 pm EST (1.5 hours) Note: start time will vary by time zone • Closed Captioning Available...
Give Hope & Donate Today
Help us connect people to the help they deserve. Your support is more than a donation, it is an investment in the lives of children and adults struggling with GvHD. Fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devasting disease. Every dollar matters.