Jackson Memorial Hospital

Jackson Memorial is a Level One care facility which provides health services for adults and children. The pediatric division of this hospital is focused on providing the best care for its patioents. This division is considered a separate hospital and it is denominated Holtz Children Hospital.

Holtz Children Hospital is part of Jackson Memorial and it helps provide the care needed for all of its child patients. Click here to find out more about the pediatrics at Jackson Memorial.

There are many childrena at this hospital waiting for someone like you to help bring them a little ray of light. You don't need to make a donation if you don't have the possibilities, you can offer your time as well. Jackson Memorial is in a constant search for volunteers. If you would like to offer your time, energy and joy click volunteering and learn about other ways to give!

Today we are going to talk about Carson Higgings, he is a brave young lad that has been suffering from neuroblastoma for over a year, this is his story:

Carson Higgins
4 years old

Diagnosis:

Carson was found to suffer from neuroblastoma, a common solid tumor of childhood.

Carson's Story:

When 3-year-old Carson was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, the news came as a shock to his parents. “I was devastated,” said his mother, Debbie. “I just started praying and praying.” For several weeks, Carson, who was usually a healthy child, ran high fevers and developed a limp when he walked. One day, Carson asked his mother to kiss his legs because they hurt. Over the next week, Carson was seen by several doctors, including a bone specialist, an oncologist and a rheumatologist. When a bone scan showed spots, the oncologist ordered an MRI. The diagnosis of neuroblastoma was made soon after. “During that whole week, we kept getting sent to more doctors,” Debbie said. “I kept getting the feeling it was something more. I was prepared for something, but not cancer.” While Carson’s family struggled with his diagnosis, his scans were sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where a new protocol was about to begin for children with neuroblastoma. “I’d heard of St. Jude. We had donated in the past,” Debbie said, “but I never thought we’d be there.” By the time the family arrived at St. Jude, Carson was no longer able to walk.

At St. Jude:

At St. Jude, Carson received chemotherapy and radiation, surgery to remove the tumor and a stem cell transplant. Carson also received physical, occupational and speech therapies. His physical therapy sessions helped him regain strength and, to his family’s delight, Carson soon started walking again. Debbie is thankful for the donors who help support St. Jude. “The people who donate to St. Jude are just amazing,” she said, noting that their family appreciated the housing, transportation and grocery cards that are provided to patients and families. While being separated from his brothers, who range in age from 3-years-old to 16-years-old, was difficult, Carson is home now and thriving. He’s now in preschool, and loves to play with his brothers. “Carson has always been a special child,” Debbie said. “It was amazing to watch the peace he had while going through this.” Carson continues his chemotherapy at home and returns to St. Jude for regular checkups.

On a different note, we would like to thank those who attended Friday's Cancer Walk! We appreciate your efforts, thanks to your support nearly $200,000.00 were collected to help cancer sufferers.

Juan and Lucia attended the cancer walk and were excited to learn that their efforts helps families in need.

Lucia and Juan at last Friday's cancer walk:

This walk was done in honor of Sebastian Sarmiento. Again we request of you not money, but any form of help you can provide for the cancer afflicted and their families.

Thank you!!!

Sebastian Sarmiento

Dear Family and Friends,

I would like to take a moment to introduce you to Sebastian Sarmiento. Sebastian is your typical 9-year-old boy that loves going to school, playing video games and soccer with his 13-year-old brother. Until September 2007 his life was as normal child but it changed with his Leukemia diagnosis. He had normal flu symptoms that took him to the doctor leading to the leukemia diagnosis.

Since then his family and him have been battling his disease. Earlier this year the family received news that Sebastian’s leukemia was in remission, and they began to make plans to return to school for the 2008-2009 year, but Sebastian’s plans were cut short when the leukemia relapse and his families’ life were turned upside down again.

Sebastian has been hospitalized, receiving several chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Since June 2008 he has been at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami with a couple relapses and going under more treatments to put him in a safe stage and proceed to a Bone Marrow Transplant. His mom is with him every day and night and has cut back her working hours to the bare minimum. Dad continues to work full time and take care of Sebastian’s brother. Once the transplant takes place Sebastian has to be in the hospital for a few more months.

At this point it is hard to say when he will return home and resume a normal life. Even though the family has insurance the medical and other bills are mounting. Over the next few months, family and friends will be hosting some events to help raise money for this family. If you would like to make a contribution a Benevolent Account has been opened at:

Washington Mutual Bank
1480 Greenview Shore Blvd.
Wellington, FL 33414
(561) 753-0189

Please make checks to Sebastian Sarmiento fund. Donations may be made at any Washington Mutual Bank or mailed to the location above. Donation amounts are kept anonymous. Please visit http://caringbridge.org/ and type "sebastiansarmiento" and look for details on his journey. The family will appreciate anything that you can do to help them.

Sincerely,

Libby and Mario Diaz

There are also other ways you can help. Cancer walks and bake sales are just some of the ways we can contribute our time to make a difference in a child's life. Last Friday Diana and Karol attended the cancer walk in West Palm Beach in honor of Sebastian. If you would like to participate in these cancer walks or bake sales please contact us for more information or keep visiting our blog as we will post information on coming events.

Join us this Friday, October 24 in the Boca Mizner Park at 7:30pm for the walk for cancer in Boca Raton! Your support makes a difference!

We are also currently searching for volunteers for our coming bake sales. We will be holding 2 bake sales, one in Boca Raton's St. Jude Church and the other in Wellington's St. Rita Church. If you would like to help, please e-mail karolu03@gmail.com. All contributions welcome.

Help us help Sebastian. He is a child who needs you

Hodgkin Lymphoma

Cancer of the immune system that is marked by the presence of a cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell is known as Hodgkin lymphoma. This type of cancer is classified into two categories: Classical Hodgkin lymphoma and Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma.


Hodgkin lymphoma is the third most common type of childhood cancer. Research shows that in 2008 the estimated number of new cases of Hodgkin lymphoma in the United states is 8,220 and 1,350 deaths.

Risk Factors:

• Being between the ages of 5 and 14.


• In children younger than 14 years, it is more common in boys than in girls.


• Being infected with the Epstein-Barr Virus.


• Having a brother or sister with Hodgkin lymphoma

Symptoms

• Painless enlargement of lymph nodes, spleen, or other immune tissue.


• Fever


• Weight loss


• Fatigue


• Night sweats


• Itchy skin

Amanda's Hodgkin's Story

Amanda is an honor-roll student whose favorite subject is math, but she's facing another kind of problem: Hodgkin's disease. Hodgkin's disease is a form of lymphoma (say: lim-foh-mah) - a cancer that starts in the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are masses of tissue that control the flow of lymph, a fluid containing white blood cells that is responsible for fighting infections in the body.

She was diagnosed when she was 11. It all started when Amanda's parents noticed that her neck was swollen. She didn't feel any pain. Her family doctor first thought an infection could have caused her swollen lymph nodes and sent her to a children's hospital for further investigation. There, Amanda had an X-ray and a CT scan of her neck, which showed a lump next to her windpipe that was in danger of blocking her airway. That lump was a tumor, so things started to move fast.

Amanda was immediately scheduled for a biopsy (say: bye-ap-see), a surgical procedure to remove and examine tissue from her tumor. The next thing she knew, she and her parents were meeting with an oncologist (say: ahn-cah-luh-jist), a doctor who works with cancer patients. The oncologist explained that Amanda had cancer. Amanda was brave when she heard the news. "The doctor was great about telling me what the disease was and what to expect," she says. "The only thing that really got to me was when she said I'd lose my hair."

Chemotherapy and Hair Loss

Sure enough, after the second round of chemotherapy (treatment to kill the cancer cells), Amanda's shoulder-length, honey-blonde hair began to fall out a bit at a time. When she finally gave in and had it shaved off, she saved it in a bag. Amanda still misses her hair, but has begun collecting hats to coordinate with her colorful wardrobe. Her favorite one is navy blue.
Because she has very little hair, Amanda notices that strangers often stare at her. But her friends are used to her new look. They have been loyal, she says, and have learned to find ways to still hang out together despite her cancer.
"I still play with my friends," she says, "but we have to be more careful now because of the risk of infection. And we mostly play at my house."

Stuff Amanda Can't Do

While she's being treated, Amanda can't go to some of her favorite places or do some of her favorite things. She can't go the mall or go to her tap and jazz dancing lessons. She can't swim because she has a central chemotherapy line, which was placed surgically in her chest to help with treatments. She's also not allowed to lie in the sun.
For Amanda, the hardest part about having Hodgkin's disease is not being able to be as social as she would like to be. Because she might get sick from the other kids, Amanda can't attend school. Instead, she's tutored privately at home. But after her treatment, she's hoping to return to her busy schedule of cheerleading, jazz, and tap, as well as student council and drama club at her middle school - as long as her recovery continues to progress.

Looking Ahead

Right now, she's making the most of her time at home, where she lives with her parents; older brother, Brian; older sister, Sammie; 12-year-old German shepherd, Poochie; and her puppy, Chemo. Her dream is to travel to Africa someday, where she wants to photograph wild animals. She's optimistic about the future and looks forward to feeling better.
Meanwhile,Amanda says it's important to let others know that she's the same person she's always been. "After all," she says, "just because you lose something doesn't mean you lose everything."

Brain Tumor

A mass of abnormal cells that start in the brain is known as a brain tumor. Brain tumors can be malignant or brain cancer (invade and distroy parts of the brain) or benign (stay in one area and don't cause damage). Brain cancer is the second most common type of cancer in children. Approximately 1,500 children in the United States are diagnosed with a brain tumor each year.




According to the Children's Hospital of Winsconsin, the majority of brain tumors are due to abnormalities of genes involved in cell cycle control, which cause uncontrolled cell growth. These abnormalities are caused by alterations directly in the genes, or by chromosome rearrangements which change the function of a gene.

Some chemicals may change the structure of genes that protect the body from certain cancers. Research has been investigating parents of children with brain tumors and their past exposure to these chemicals.

Most common types of brain tumors in children:

Astrocytomas

• Usually non-cancerous



• Slow growing cysts



• Most common in children 5-8



• Main treatment surgery to remove tumor

Brain Stem Gliomas

• Average age of development is 6



• Tumor may grow very large before triggering symptoms



• Surgery is not possible due to brain location



• Radiation and Chemotherapy are used to shrink tumor and prolong life



• Five year survival rate is low

Ependymomas

• About 8-10% of pediatric brain tumors



• The tumors are located in tiny passageways in the brain (ventricles)



• They block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid CSF



• Treatment may include surgery, radiation, therapy and chemotherapy

Meduloblastomas

• Most common type of children brain cancer



• They occur more often in boys than girls



• Develop around 5 years of age



• Surgery alone does not cure this type of cancer



• Chemotherapy and radiation are often used in combination with surgery
  

Signs of Brain Tumor in Infants

• Increased head circumference


• No red reflex in the eye


• Opisthotonos


• Separated Sutures

General Symtoms

• Decerebrate posture


• Headache


• Loss of memory


• Nausea


• Ceizures


• Speech difficulties


• Vision problems including double and decreased vision


• Vomiting


• Weakness of body area
  

Brain Tumor– Josh’s Story

Lisa and Jim of Ham Lake, Minn., were devastated when they learned their son Joshua had just a 30 percent chance of being cured of the tumor doctors found in his brain. However, with the help of a cutting-edge treatment at the University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Fairview and the ongoing research supported by Children’s Cancer Research Fund, the family was ready to defy the odds.

Discovering the Disease

Before he was old enough to talk in complete sentences, little Josh would wake up in the morning and say to his mom, “Head hurt.” Then, he would fall on the couch in misery. Vomiting seemed to make him feel better but every few days he would wake up in pain again — even after being treated for sinus trouble by the family doctor. On Christmas Eve morning 2002, Josh was so sick that his parents took him to the emergency room at Children’s Hospital in St. Paul. A CAT scan revealed the tumor growing in the left frontal lobe of Josh’s brain.

Desperate for Treatment Options

Doctors at Children’s successfully removed Josh’s tumor but it was “high grade,” which meant that the surgery alone would not be sufficient to cure him. Without further treatment the cancer was certain to come back.

“It was overwhelming to learn that our son had a brain tumor, and worse, that it was cancerous,” recalls Lisa. “ He was only 2½ years old – how could this happen? We were desperate to do something but we didn’t know what to do.”

Josh’s best hope would be to enroll in a clinical trial and his oncologists referred the family to Dr. Joe Neglia, chief of the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology program at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Neglia was testing an experimental treatment for very young children like Josh with high-grade brain tumors.

Clinical Trial Offers Hope

The treatment involved a combination of powerful chemotherapy drugs. One of the drugs was very effective in killing tumor cells but also extremely toxic to the bone marrow and immune system. Josh needed three cycles of this drug to be sure he got an effective dose. To counteract the drug’s toxic effects, the treatment also included a process called stem cell rescue: Dr. Neglia would extract stem cells from Josh’s blood, freeze them, and then infuse them back into Josh’s blood stream after each cycle of the marrow-killing drug. In this way, Josh’s own stem cells would be used to restore his immune system.

The treatment was harsh but it increased Josh’s chance of surviving. “This was our ray of hope,” says Lisa. “It was hard to allow Josh to go through the chemo but the stem cell treatments helped him recover. We felt it was the best treatment possible, given his situation.”

By supporting the University of Minnesota Cancer Center’s Stem Cell Biology and Phase I Therapeutics Programs, Children’s Cancer Research Fund is enabling the University to continue its pioneering efforts in stem cell transplantation as well as in d eveloping and testing new treatment strategies for children with cancer refractory to conventional therapy, or who are at high risk for treatment failure. This support allows researchers to expend their studies to further develop novel approaches for treating pediatric cancer patients like Josh.

Josh’s treatment lasted for six months. He lost his hair and eyebrows. He also lost a lot of weight, especially during the first round of chemotherapy, when anti-nausea drugs were ineffective. In deciding to allow Josh to receive experimental treatment, the family took a big chance, and it was hard to see their son suffer painful treatment side effects. They prayed they had made the right decision.

Enjoying the Present and Optimistic for the Future

Four years later, they’re thrilled that their son is free of cancer, and they are especially glad he was treated at the University of Minnesota. “Every single nurse on 5B [the children’s oncology unit] was an angel,” Lisa says. “And Dr. Neglia and Jane Torkelson [Coordinator of the University’s Brain Tumor Program] were just so awesome.”

“Dr. Neglia cares about your child so much,” she continues. “He has a really hard job but you feel confident because you can see how much he cares.”

Josh finished his treatment in June of 2003. His parents take him to the University’s Oncology Clinic annually for a check-up and will continue to do so for several years. So far, there is no sign of any cancer returning. Research, like that conducted by Dr. Neglia and supported by Children’s Cancer Research Fund, is the best chance of a cure for children with brain tumors. Thanks to research and the dedication of the University of Minnesota’s health care team, Josh is in good health — an outgoing second-grader who “makes friends like crazy,” loves baseball and computers, and is the apple of his mom’s eye.