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Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Family Events
The diagnosis of cancer or a blood disorder brings with it tremendous implications for the patient, the parents and siblings. For the Hematology/Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation staff, dealing with the emotional needs of children and their families is as important as dealing with the physical and medical needs of the patient. To help families cope, every new patient is assigned a psychosocial team that consists of a social worker, a psychologist and a child life specialist. Through regular meetings with the patient and family, the team is able to anticipate potentially stressful situations and to help the family manage them successfully.
Our team is also aware that sometimes the best medicine is to take a break from the medical setting. Annual events have been created with this idea in mind. They include:
- BMT Reunion Day
- SIBS Day (Significantly Important Brothers and Sisters )
- Camp Courage
- Camp Escape
For more information about any of these programs, call 412-692-6740.
BMT Reunion Day
Through BMT Reunion Day, families with children who have received blood and marrow transplants are introduced and encouraged to share their experiences.
Reunion Day is typically held every summer. In the past, BMT survivors and their families have enjoyed a sunny, fun-filled day at Kennywood and North Park.
For more information about BMT Reunion Day, call Jason Rowan, RN, at 412-692-6740.
SIBS Day
To help siblings cope with a brother or sister who has cancer, the Hematology/Oncology staff developed Significantly Important Brothers and Sisters (SIBS) Day. On SIBS Day, siblings are encouraged to come to the hospital to meet physicians, tour the hospital, and participate in special child life activities. About 10 children usually attend this event, which is held two or three times a year. At the last SIBS Day, the children visited the operating room, learned about central lines and played games.
To register for or ask questions about SIBS Day, call Laura Ibach, MS, CCLS, at 412-692-5798.
Camp Courage
To foster normal growth and development, children ages 6 to 17 who currently have or previously had cancer or blood diseases are encouraged to attend a special summer camp that is coordinated by Children’s Hematology/Oncology Division. In this non-medical setting, children with cancer and blood diseases are able to experience a normal camping adventure, share their experiences with other children, develop independence and make new friends.
Camp Courage is held annually at The Woodlands in Wexford, Pa. Campers enjoy swimming and other sports, arts and crafts and campfires. Other activities include a social dance, a nurse’s night and a family picnic.
For more information about Camp Courage or to register, call Sharon Lavallee, MSW, at 412-692-5257 or Susan Makoroff, MSW, at 412-692-5339.
Camp Escape
Camp Escape gives children with sickle cell disease the opportunity to share their experiences with others who are also coping with the disease. Held annually at The Woodlands in Wexford, Pa., this camp is offered to boys and girls, ages 6 to 14, and generally includes five days of activities. Campers enjoy swimming in a heated pool and other sports, arts and crafts and nights by the campfire.
Check back for dates for Camp Escape 2007, which will be announced soon.
For more information about this or other Sickle Cell Program events, contact Tia Martin, MSW, at 412-692-6072 or tia.martin@chp.edu.
Updated 8/2/07
