Kenda is a cheerful 9 year-old excited for a great year in 4th grade. With the help of Derek Hanson, M.D., Director of Pediatric Neuro-oncology, she has much to look forward to. In 2016, at the age of three, Kenda was diagnosed with a brain tumor. At the time, the family was living in Egypt. […]
Having a family member with cancer is tough. There are so many questions and fears, it is difficult for adults to wrap their heads around. When Abby, then 8 years old, learned her older sister had cancer she was understandably confused and concerned. “In the beginning it was very hard for Abby to understand how […]
Cancer can be an overwhelming experience for children. Providing a sense of control and accomplishment is important for young patients to stay positive and optimistic throughout their treatments. Beads of Courage, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and teens coping with serious illness, their families and the clinicians who […]
Sibling relationships can be emotionally powerful and critically important, especially in childhood. When one child undergoes a challenging medical emergency or illness, it has a profound impact on their siblings. Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital has received generous funding to develop and implement an important Sibling Support Program to meet […]
The Hackensack Meridian Children’s Cancer Institute launched two new protocols for patients diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) to identify their best treatment options. The new protocols stems from the Children’s Cancer Institute’s (CCI) partnership with the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), an international organization dedicated to pediatric cancer research, and introduces two clinical trials […]
After Megan “Mighty Meg” finished her cancer treatment at the Children’s Cancer Institute last month, she received a special congratulations from an old friend: 2020 FedEx Cup Champion, Dustin Johnson. Megan met Johnson last year at THE NORTHERN TRUST, when she was in the midst of treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). She served as […]
Like many 4-year olds, Mia enjoys Barbies, princesses, Roblox, and playing with her brothers. Also, like many her age during this challenging time, Mia is starting virtual Pre-K this fall. However, unlike her peers, Mia is undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), after being diagnosed in July 2019. Battling cancer during COVID-19 means that […]
Five years ago, we began our mission. With only 4% of the national cancer research budget allocated to pediatric cancer, and only three new cancer drugs developed for children in the past twenty years, the team at Hackensack Meridian Health Children’s Cancer Institute recognized the need for a philanthropic program to help increase funding for […]
Gabrielle Peko, once a young patient at the Children’s Cancer Institute, is now a proud recipient of a $25,000 Garden of Dreams Foundation Inspire Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who seek to continue their education in college or vocational school programs. She is one of 14 recipients for this year’s round […]
In order to get inside the ropes and onto the greens at the Northern Trust, you have to be a VIP, and on hole 17, that includes some very important patients.
As Tackle Kids Cancer celebrated its 3rd anniversary, Eli and our MVPs had an opportunity to reunite. It was a great opportunity to hear how these courageous kids are doing.
The hematology and oncology experts at Hackensack Meridian Health K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center