2020 Graft versus Host Disease Virtual Symposium

ABOUT THE GvHD NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

This unique conference, which focuses on cutting edge research and new treatments, consists of two tracks: one designed for physicians and other health care professionals, and one for bone marrow transplant (BMT) survivors, their families and their caregivers.

The Meredith A. Cowden Foundation in collaboration with the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, and Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, created the GvHD National Symposium in 2010 to raise awareness about Graft vs. Host Disease (GvHD), to promote research to further our understanding of its cause, and to review cutting edge approaches to prevention and treatment.

Over 1,400 people have attended our in person event, which has provided an opportunity for attendees to interact with some of the world’s leading authorities on GvHD, a complication that affects over 60% of bone marrow transplant patients. Our past symposiums have served as invaluable experiences to learn, network and exchange ideas with each other.

Due to COVID19 and the restrictions related to this pandemic, and the potential risks for our symposium participants who may already be immunocompromised, we have decided to postpone our in-person meeting. We know that people with chronic graft versus host disease continue to need support and community. We also know how important it is for us to continue to raise awareness and education regarding chronic graft versus host disease.

To address the continuing need to serve the community, we have decided to host a short ‘virtual’ symposium that will take place on Friday, October 2^nd, 2020. This free, 2-hour event will consist of a clinical presentation by Dr. Dan Couriel from the University of Utah, followed by a patient-centered Q&A panel hosted by the GvHD planning committee.

We hope that you will join us for this exciting virtual event!