How We Offer Patient Support

Our certified and compassionate Child Life specialists work closely with your child's healthcare team to provide a full continuum of quality and compassionate care for our pediatric patients. In addition:

• 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

Learn more about our Child Life Program.

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 manage psychosocial issues, 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 social services we offer, contact us at 954-265-2234.

Cancer treatment and recovery can take a devastating toll on a young patient’s physical and emotional well-being. Surgery, chemotherapy and other types of treatments can cause hair loss, skin discoloration, amputation or changes in body weight, which can alter a child’s appearance, wreaking havoc on their confidence and self-esteem.

The Pediatric Image Enhancement Center for Cancer Patients—also known as The Real Me at JoeD—is an integral part of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

Learn more about our Image Enhancement Center.

Our Pediatric Cancer Survivorship Program empowers pediatric cancer survivors and their caregivers by providing them with the information and support they need as they transition to life without cancer.

To be eligible, childhood cancer survivors must have completed at least two years after the completion of their cancer therapy.

Learn more about the Survivorship Clinic.

Dealing with a serious illness can be a difficult and confusing time for children and their families.

Our Pediatric Palliative Care Team includes experienced and compassionate professionals who work closely with each patient and their family to relieve physical, psychological, social and spiritual distress.

Learn more about palliative care.