No matter where you are in your GVHD journey
WE HAVE RESOURCES THAT CAN HELPWE HAVE RESOURCESTHAT CAN HELP
The GVHD Alliance can help you find information about treatment options, understand your condition, and advocate for yourself and others
You deserve to have an active role on your health care team. After all, you're the one who knows your body best.
One of the most critical things you can do after a bone marrow/stem cell transplant is monitor yourself for GVHD symptoms, even after Day 100. That’s when most chronic GVHD symptoms occur. Remember, you will have fewer check-ins with your transplant team as time goes on—so self-monitoring becomes even more important.
GET STARTED HERE
You can learn more about monitoring GVHD symptoms by selecting that topic on the menu below. There are other topics you may find helpful as well. Not seeing what you’re looking for? Check out GVHD Alliance-approved resources here.
Select a tab to see more.
Monitoring GVHD Symptoms
Learning About GVHD Treatment
Finding a Doctor for GVHD
Exploring Clinical Studies
LIVING WITH GVHD
Living with acute or chronic GVHD can be overwhelming. If you’re finding it difficult to cope, know that you are not alone—in fact, people who have GVHD have described it as a “full-time job.” GVHD can bring about challenges with:
- Physical functioning
- Fatigue
- General health
- Social functioning
- Psychological distress (depression, anxiety)
If you have either type of GVHD and are struggling, tell your health care provider. They may be able to refer you to other supportive care services.
It’s helpful to have different types of professionals on your care team. This is called a “multidisciplinary approach.” Your care team may include specialists for your physical symptoms, as well as mental health professionals.
Below you’ll find a few different types of resources that may help along your GVHD journey.
Find free support and services for after your (or your loved one’s) transplant
Use this app to connect with the transplant community, track your symptoms, and more.
Download on Google PlayDownload on the App StoreMost recent recommendations for posttransplant care
Download GuideOne-on-one phone support from survivors and caregivers
Connect with the transplant community and find tools that can help with your journey
Talk with someone who knows what the transplant journey is like
Social workers lead topic-specific discussions with a group of transplant survivors
Find psychologists, social workers, and counselors
Social workers provide patients and caregivers with one-on-one emotional support
Find free support and services for after your (or your loved one’s) transplant
Use this app to connect with the transplant community, track your symptoms, and more.
Download on Google PlayDownload on the App StoreMost recent recommendations for posttransplant care
Download GuideOne-on-one phone support from survivors and caregivers
Connect with the transplant community and find tools that can help with your journey
Talk with someone who knows what the transplant journey is like
Social workers lead topic-specific discussions with a group of transplant survivors
Find psychologists, social workers, and counselors
Social workers provide patients and caregivers with one-on-one emotional support
LEARN ABOUT GVHD
Graft-versus-host disease, or GVHD, is a condition that can happen after a bone marrow/stem cell transplant. Donor cells (the graft) that a person (the host) has received attack that person’s organs and/or tissues. The donor cells do this because they mistake the host’s organs and/or tissues as a threat.
Thousands of people are diagnosed with GVHD each year in the United States alone. But the number of lives impacted is immeasurable.
Sometimes GVHD symptoms affect so many organs that people can’t live their lives the way they are used to. Even daily routines can be affected. In severe cases, GVHD can be life-threatening.
Choose an option below to learn more about the types and symptoms of GVHD.
There are 2 kinds of GVHD—acute GVHD (aGVHD) and chronic GVHD (cGVHD). People who receive bone marrow/stem cell transplants can develop either kind, or both.
aGVHD usually occurs in the first 3 months after a bone marrow/stem cell transplant, but it can occur later as well
It can affect the skin, the gut, and/or the liver
The skin is usually the first organ affected
Symptoms of aGVHD may include
- A rash that looks like measles
- Nausea that doesn’t go away
- Vomiting
- Poor appetite
- Diarrhea that can cause severe abdominal pain and cramping
- Liver issues
- Jaundice
IS YOUR CHILD HAVING A BONE MARROW/STEM CELL TRANSPLANT?
These videos were created to help kids know what to expect.
FIND RESOURCES FOR YOU
The GVHD Alliance is made up of 6 organizations dedicated to improving the lives of people with GVHD. Here you can find resources from our Alliance members: helpful web pages, downloads, videos, presentations, podcasts, and more. These resources can help you:
- Understand the risk of GVHD
- Recognize the symptoms of GVHD earlier
- Optimize discussions with health care teams
GET STARTED HERE
Select the filter tab to narrow your results. You can filter by resource type, topic, and symptom.
RESOURCES FOR GVHD ADVOCATES
Do you want to help the GVHD community? These tools can help you help us! Thank you for getting involved!
Take action from wherever you are! This toolkit includes ready-made posts and messages for you to share on your social media.
Don’t forget to use the hashtag #bloodcancerawarenessmonth
Take action from wherever you are! This toolkit includes ready-made posts and messages for you to share on your social media.
Don’t forget to use the hashtag #bloodcancerawarenessmonth
