Future Social Worker Sharde Fultz Pays It Forward

We first met the incredible Sharde Fultz in our very first season of Marrow Masters,  back in 2019.  We wanted to reconnect with her as one our our "survivors who thrive" this season.In 2009, Sharde was a college student, living on campus as a dance major with big dreams. Then she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.  Following chemotherapy and radiation, Sharde received an an allogeneic bone marrow transplant in 2011.  Having to leave school, she immersed herself in online support forums for young adult cancer patients.When Sharde returned to school, between her recovery and chronic GVHD, she had to come to terms with some physical limitations.  While she still had a passion for dance, she'd need to pivot.   Her time interacting with fellow cancer survivors really sparked something in her.   She wanted to be able to related to not just other patients, but also people who looked like her.   She could fight against some of the inequities in our health care system.Sharde connected with an organization called Next Step, which sends people on "campferences" - part camp, part conference.  She attended a campference in 2010, and now works for the organization.  Speaking engagements turned into a facilitator role for young adult cancer camps.  She's now the conference director, and is working toward a degree in social work.Sharde's advice for fellow cancer survivors is to change how you think about time, and don't compare your journey to anyone else's progress.Next Step Fund website: https://www.nextstepnet.org/Cassie Hines Shoes Cancer: https://cassiehinesshoescancer.org/Stupid Cancer: https://stupidcancer.org/First Descents: https://firstdescents.org/Camp Mak-A-Dream: https://www.campdream.org/Other ResourcesNational Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINKnbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.Thank you to our sponsors. This season is supported by a healthcare contribution from Sanofi  and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.https://www.sanofi.com/https://www.lls.org/patient-support National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/Check out our valued nbmtLINK resource books, some for sale, some free as downloadable, https://www.nbmtlink.org/shop/nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINKFollow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  It is crucial to consult directly with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, treatment options, or other health concerns.The views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the nbmtLINK.  Unless otherwise stated in an official policy, the nbmtLINK does not endorse any specific treatments, products, or services mentioned by the speakers. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.The Marrow Masters Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.