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When children are diagnosed with a serious illness such as cancer or a blood disorder, it can be extremely stressful for parents. They usually have numerous questions and concerns, and want to know the best path forward for their children.
At Stormont Vail Health, the pediatric oncology and hematology team’s goal is to design an optimum treatment approach for each child, and to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible for the entire family.
We also always encourage parents to keep taking their children to their pediatricians for primary care needs, such as annual physicals and well-child visits. This ensures that they are as healthy and strong as possible to fight cancer.
Conditions We Treat
Our pediatric oncology and hematology team takes care of patients with many different types of cancers and blood disorders. Some of the most common conditions we treat include:
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Brain tumors
- Soft tissue tumors
- Bone marrow failure
- Acquired increased bleeding disorders (e.g., immune thrombocytopenia)
- Inherited increased bleeding disorders (e.g., sickle cell disease)
- Clotting problems
- Anemia/low hemoglobin
- Blood issues that come from other underlying causes (such as low thyroid levels or genetic abnormalities)
Our Treatments and Services
Each child’s treatment plan is different, based on their individual needs and goals. At Stormont Vail, children have access to several types of treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy.
In addition, they have access to many different specialists:
- Physical and occupational therapists
- Social workers
- Dietitians
- Child life specialists
- Pediatric hospitalists (physicians who work specifically in hospitals)
- Pediatric subspecialists (physicians who specialize in particular areas of care)
What About School?
Part of being a child is going to school. But during the initial phases of treatment, many children are not able to attend school.
When they go back, we want to make sure that their transition is smooth so that they can go back to just being kids.
Our team offers school visits to explain to nurses, teachers and fellow students about cancer treatments, and the challenges that come along with them. We talk about changes in physical appearance and increased risk of infection, and we’re happy to answer any questions. We’re also able to provide educational lectures to school nurses and teachers about general cancer treatment.
Community Programs and Events
Fighting cancer is no small feat, and we love celebrating our young patients’ perseverance.
Every September, we host an event to celebrate Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The events include face painting, chalk drawings, snacks — anything our patients need to have a good time.
We also hosted a Childhood Cancer Awareness Month event in partnership with the Kansas Discovery Center in Pozez.
Stormont Vail sponsored an event for St. Baldrick’s — a non-profit that raises money for childhood cancer research. The event was organized by one of our patient’s parents. Several of our staff members shaved their heads in solidarity with children with cancer.
The Cotton O’Neil Cancer Center hosts an annual Cancer Survivors Day picnic in June. Cancer patients of all ages come together to celebrate beating cancer. Each year, the picnic has a theme, from superhero, to Western, to circus.
Meet Our Pediatric Oncologist
We aren’t just a staff — we’re a support system. Your child will have a dedicated team of physicians, nurses, dietitians, social workers, child life specialists and therapists working for his or her well-being.
