Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
Medical Services and Support Services
Our practice specializes in pediatric blood disorders and oncologic diseases. We treat the following types of conditions:
Oncologic disorders
- Bone marrow failure diseases
- Brain tumors
- Embryonal tumors (Neuroblastoma, Wilms, etc.)
- Histiocytic disorders
- Leukemias (acute and chronic)
- Lymphomas (Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's)
- Sarcomas of bone and soft tissues
- Spinal cord tumors (see Brain tumors)
Hematologic disorders
- Anemias (acute and chronic)
- Blood clotting disorders (coagulation disorders)
- Disorders of platelets, such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and thrombocytopenia
- Disorders of white blood cells, such as autoimmune neutropenia and leukopenia
- Sickle cell disease
- Thalassemias
In addition to our medical services, we also offer the following support services for our patients and their families:
Child Life Program
- Child life specialists help young patients return to school, explaining cancer to teachers and other students.
- For the child who must stay at home, we can arrange for a licensed Broward County teacher to make sure that schoolwork isn't neglected.
- A variety of support groups are available for children with cancer, as well as their siblings and parents.
- To help patients maintain a normal lifestyle, we encourage kids with cancer to participate in summer camp programs designed specifically for them.
- The Love Jen Fund, established in memory of one of our cancer patients, supports programs that help families cope.
- Accommodations for families of children undergoing treatment at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital are given overnight accommodations free of charge on a space-available basis at The Conine Clubhouse, a comfortable residential facility operated by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation. Since opening in 1977, the facility has served thousands of families worldwide.
Social Services
- Social workers are available to help our oncology patients adjust to a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate, our social workers direct patients’ families to services, including individual counseling to help the patient manage psychosocial issues and cope with anxiety, loss of independence and other concerns.
- Family counseling can restore balance in the home during and after a cancer diagnosis.
- Relaxation and meditation sessions teach patients to be calm, and over time, these interventions can help patients and families recover energy and enthusiasm.
- Programs for pediatric cancer patients and for children who have a family member with cancer are also offered.
- Other services include discharge planning, community resources, advocacy, hospice care and bereavement counseling.
