Kids with Cancer

Madge M. Jones Activity Terrace Back To School S.M.I.L.E. Family Day Picnic Discovery Links For Parents and Kids

Kids with cancer are still kids!

Children are resilient. Sometimes much more than adults. And even with cancer they can do amazing things. And live amazing lives.

If there is any way we can assist you, please don't hesitate to call us at 1-800-251-3627, ext. 4-8499. We can take big strides together and help make living with cancer a more positive experience.

Cancer can greatly disrupt a child's life, and that of the entire family. That's why we have created an environment that reminds children they are still kids.

Through UVa's Pediatric Hematology/Oncology program we offer our families:

The Madge M. Jones Activity Terrace:

It's all child's play in this sunny, open space. Bright colors and a variety of fun activities adorn this area where children can forget they have cancer and focus on the fun at hand.

Back To School:

The state of Virginia employs full-time educators who work solely with patients at the Children's Medical Center. Our educational consultant meets with the child and family to discuss both academic and physical needs. We then communicate the child's needs to the school with an emphasis on the child, not their illness. Our educators work closely with local school teachers to help ensure the child's sense of normalcy.

S.M.I.L.E.:

"Students Making It A Little Easier" is an organization sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Through S.M.I.L.E., our young cancer patients are matched with medical students who will become their special friend. The friendship has nothing to do with the illness and is a welcome outlet for fun and sharing.

Family Day Picnic:

Every year the Children's Medical Center hosts a Family Day Picnic where patients and their families can enjoy food, fun and life. It's a hopeful celebration that brings smiles to the faces of all those present.

More and more clinical trials, or tests involving new treatments, are being expanded to include children. Because childhood cancers are relatively rare, UVa participates in the Pediatric Oncology Group (POG), a national group of researchers dedicated to designing new treatments for children with cancer. Studies have shown that children involved with clinical trials, or tests involving such new treatments, have much better outcomes than those treated outside these trials. Our participation with POG and leadership in the development of clinical trials means that we are seeking new answers and improved treatments not just for your child, but every child with cancer.

Visit the Children's Medical Center web site.

The Cancer Center is a part of the UVa Children's Medical Center network, where where dedicated and family orientated doctors and staff treat children and young adults with cancer and blood diseases.

Check out UVaHealth.com for more info on pediatric cancer.