The former athlete is spreading awareness on bone marrow transplant complications.
When Hamm was 25, she lost her brother, Garrett, due to complications following a BMT.
Since then, the soccer legend has been an active voice for the BMT community.
Photo:Justin Tafoya/Getty Images
We talked to Hamm about her activism and current projects in this exclusive interview.
Read on to learn more about Hamms work, as well as her current morning routine and favorite snacks.
EatingWell:Whats your morning routine like?
Hamm:I always have a cup of coffee.
I never drank coffee before I had my twins, but it just helps me.
Then I get the kidstheyre pretty self-sufficient nowready for school and get them to the bus stops.
It varies, but usually the mornings are pretty consistent until about 8:15.
EatingWell:Are there any comforting dishes that youre most looking forward to making this season?
Hamm:Some of the recipes I’ve learned from my mom growing up.
I haven’t mastered her lasagna yet.
EatingWell:Do you have any go-to snacks that keep you and your family satisfied on busy days?
Hamm:I like fruit, apples and grapes.
We have a lot of green grapes lately and they’ve been pretty good.
Pomegranate, those mini bell peppers, carrots, popcorn.
I think early awareness and early detection in terms of understanding what the symptoms are is really important.
I know how hard it is on the patient because I’ve seen it firsthand with my brother.
EatingWell:Whats something you learned since being an advocate for the BMT community that surprised you?
you might be a hero and have the opportunity to save someone’s life.
EatingWell:Could you talk more about the Mia Hamm Foundation and its current mission?
Hamm:I started the Mia Hamm Foundation watching my brother and my family.
My brother was adopted, and at the time he couldn’t find any direct matches for him.
It’s also supporting causes and groups that are doing really incredible work.
My brother and I had a very strong and unique connection through sport.
EatingWell:What does eating well mean to you?
Hamm:Its whatever makes you happy.
Sometimes thats a cheeseburger and sometimes it’s the best salad you’ve ever had.
That’s what I still venture to do today with my family.
I love cooking and our kids have a pretty diverse palate, which I’m grateful for.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
