Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital

In the United States in 2007, approximately 10,400 children under age 15 were diagnosed with cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Many childhood cancers respond well to therapeutic interventions, and patients often have a good prognosis.

At the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, we specialize in treating pediatric blood disorders and oncologic diseases. Some of the conditions we treat include the following. If you do not see a condition listed please contact our office for more information at 954-265-2234.

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 our patients and their families comprehensive support resources such as child life specialists and social services.

Child Life Program

• Our child life specialists help young patients return to school, explaining their diagnosis and treatment to teachers and other students
• For the child who must stay at home, we can assist arranging for a licensed teacher to help make sure schoolwork isn't neglected
• We provide a variety of support groups for children with cancer and blood disorders, as well as their siblings and parents
• To help patients maintain a normal lifestyle, we encourage children with cancer and blood disorders 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 to help families cope with this challenging situation

Conine Clubhouse

We help provide accommodations for families of children undergoing treatment at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. Overnight accommodations are free of charge on a space-available basis at Conine Clubhouse, a comfortable residential facility operated by the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation. Since opening in 1997, the facility has served thousands of families from around the world.

Social Services

• Our experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate social workers are available to help our patients adjust to a diagnosis and treatment; including directing patients and their families to specialized services, such as individual counseling to help the patient manage psychosocial issues and cope with anxiety, loss of independence and other concerns
• Family counselors help restore balance in the home during and after a new diagnosis
• Relaxation and meditation sessions help 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 offered
• Other services include discharge planning, community resources, advocacy, palliative care, hospice care and bereavement counseling

For more information about the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program, contact us at 954-265-2234.