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Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Month

September is a significant month, being both Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Each year, The Valerie Fund supports over 6,000 children and their families dealing with the social, emotional, developmental, and physical challenges of pediatric cancer and blood disorders, of which sickle cell disease is the most common. We are one of the largest networks of specialized outpatient healthcare facilities in the nation.

The Valerie Fund Children’s Centers are in eight pediatric hospitals throughout the NJ, NY, and metro Philadelphia areas. Every patient entering a Valerie Fund Children’s Center is greeted by a team of caregivers who support the entire family throughout treatment and healing. Since all of our centers are associated with Children's Oncology Group, recognized as the leader in providing treatment protocols and running clinical studies, children treated at our centers also benefit from and contribute to the latest research in pediatric oncology.

What makes treatment at Valerie Fund Children’s Center so special is the range of psychosocial support we provide at no additional cost to the families. These are essential services not commonly covered by insurance. Our social workers, child life therapists, psychologists, educational liaisons, and others work with the medical care teams to ensure unconditional support for the whole child and family.

It may seem odd that both childhood cancer and sickle cell disease awareness are recognized in the same month. Oncology (cancer) and hematology (blood disorders) are medical specialties often combined in hospital departments. The most commonly occurring pediatric cancer, acute lymphoblastic lymphoma, known as ALL is a type of blood cancer.

Sickle cell is an inherited disease found in people of African descent. A person who is born with sickle disease cannot "grow out of it." In patients with sickle cell disease, blood cells mutate into cells shaped like sickles or crescent moons, a process known as 'sickling.' These sickled cells become stuck in blood vessels, leading to blocked blood flow and severe pain, as well as potential damage to organs, muscles, and bones. Most children with sickle cell disease feel and look fine most of the time. When they do have medical problems, they can become sick very quickly and with little warning. Early recognition and treatment are critical because babies with sickle disease are at risk of developing life-threatening infections and other health crises.

The complications of sickle cell disease—both the painful and the life-threatening—cannot reliably be prevented entirely. Even children who "follow all of the rules" about dressing warmly, drinking plenty of fluids, and not over-exerting themselves may still suddenly develop excruciating pain crises, acute chest syndrome, or strokes. Most of the medical care involves treating or—preferably—preventing flare-ups. One of the most important aspects of caring for these children is educating families about the illness and how to prevent crises.

When you see a yellow or red ribbon being shared in September, it is to raise awareness for Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Disease.