Right: Alex in front of the Wood Center, where he attends the Survivorship Clinic once afraid to dream about. He’s a graduate of Saint Joseph’s University and has a job he loves in the healthcare field. To most people, that would be the triumphant end of the story. But the radiation and chemotherapy treatments used to combat cancer inevitably damage healthy cells too. For many childhood cancer survivors like Alex, life after cancer presents a whole new series of challenges. That’s where the Cancer Center’s pioneering Cancer Survivorship Program comes in. The first program of its kind in the nation, it has been caring for childhood cancer survivors for more than a quarter century, helping them through issues that can include heart abnormalities, learning difficulties, depression, post-traumatic stress and lung problems, among others. When Alex was diagnosed with cancer, he already had tumors in his neck, spine and lung. The radiation that saved his life left his esophagus damaged, making it difficult for him to swallow food. He works with a nutritionist at the Cancer Center’s Multidisciplinary Cancer Survivorship Clinic to find foods he can eat. He also takes a handful of pills every day for heart and thyroid problems, and in addition to the Clinic’s nutritionist, he sees the Clinic’s cardiologist and endocrinologist. When he had his wisdom teeth removed in 2008, he had to spend 2 1/2 hours in an oxygen chamber every day for the 20 days before the surgery to strengthen his jaw bone. Now, Alex comes to CHOP just once a year for follow-up with the Clinic’s team of subspecialists. Before the Clinic opened in 2005, survivors like Alex typically juggled a series of visits with a whole array of subspecialists. But now, at the monthly Survivorship Clinic, the subspecialists come to them. “Kids and families were missing days from school and from work, trying to coordinate their complex medical needs,” says Jill Ginsberg, M.D., director of the Cancer Survivorship Program. “With this clinic and the coordination of appointments and a dedicated group of subspecialists, the care has been so much more seamless.” “It just makes it so much easier,” Alex agrees. Alex remains resolute in his fight against cancer, participating in the Four Seasons Parkway Run and Walk, one of the Cancer Center’s signature fundraising events, held every autumn for the past decade. It’s a way to give back to the nurses and doctors at the Cancer Center, who are like family to him. “They care so much,” he says. “Just knowing they’re there if I need something or have a question about something … it’s great peace of mind to know that you have that.” Q
“All In” for Kids Poker Tournament The Center for Childhood Cancer Research was the beneficiary of the 2011 “All In” for Kids Poker Tournament, which took place on Oct. 20 at the Mandarin Oriental in New York City. Hosted by poker legend Phil Hellmuth, the tournament brings together celebrities, athletes and professional poker players with Hospital Trustees, donors and grateful families. The Kortney Rose Foundation, which helps support the search for genetic causes of pediatric brain tumors, was the presenting sponsor. Q
“ Po All In ker ” To for K urn id am s ent
For more information on the “All In” for Kids Poker Tournament, please visit giftofchildhood.org/allinforkids.
Children’s View
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