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Become a NMDP Peer Connect Volunteer
Many people going throuh a blood or marrow transplant (BMT) want to talk with someone who's been where they are. If you had a BMT or were a caregiver, you can become an NMDP Peer Connect Volunteer. As you share your experience and answer questions, you'll give comfort and support to people navigating the transplant process today.
Already a Peer Connect Volunteer? Log in to your profile
Looking to talk with a Peer Connect volunteer? Request a Connection
What it's like to be a Peer Connect volunteer
When a patient or caregiver requests a connection, we pair them with a volunteer who's similar to them. Often that's someone with a similar diagnosis or age. As a volunteer, you'll provide support by:
- Reaching out by phone, text or email
- Sharing your personal experience as a BMT patient or caregiver
- Answering their questions about transplant
- Offering an empathetic ear
Volunteers are not responsible for giving medical advice or answering medical questions. That's what their health team is for. Your role is to listen and offer support.
"I get to enter the other person's world for a minute and give them a little bit of hope and encouragement. I was in their shoes so it's nice to be able to remind them that they're not alone and tell them, 'You can call me, email me, text me and I’ll be there for you.'"
ASHLEE
NMDP Peer Connect Volunteer
How to Become a Peer Connect volunteer
You can be a Peer Connect volunteer if you live anywhere in the United States and are:
- At least 18 years old
- At least 1-year post-transplant
- A BMT recipient or a caregiver to a BMT recipient
All Peer Connect volunteers also must agree to a background check. To be a Peer Connect volunteer, you must have:
- Active listening skills
- Empathy
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- The ability to act independently
- Basic computer skills
- The ability to complete and submit summary reports to NMDP Patient Services
Filling out the volunteer application is the first step to becoming a Peer Connect volunteer. After that, you'll hear from our Peer Connect coordinator for an interview. If the program is a good fit, you'll go through orientation and training, including confidentiality training. Questions? Email PeerConnect@nmdp.org
Your Peer Connect contact at NMDP
Lindsay Zuniga, MS, CCLS, OPN-CG
Lindsay manages the NMDP Peer Connect program. With a background in patient navigation, she leads a group of over 200 volunteers dedicated to giving compassionate, one-on-one help to people navigating the transplant process.
Lindsay joined NMDP in 2019. Before joining NMDP, Lindsay worked as a certified child life specialist (CCLS) in children's hospitals. She provided support and education to children and families.
Email: PeerConnect@nmdp.org
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