Treatment: Pediatric Oncology

Cancer strikes in hundreds of different forms. Randomly choosing, the disease spares no ethnicity, age group or socioeconomic class. Yet for anyone, cancer treatment comes down to the same objective – effective treatment provided promptly and compassionately. Within the Van Elslander Cancer Center, the Meade Pediatric Hematology Oncology team is dedicated to providing patients with the most advanced care in a supportive and compassionate environment.

Our experienced physician team includes specialists in:

• Pediatrics
• Orthopedics
• Surgery
• Pathology
• Radiology
• Radiotherapy

The physicians work side by side with psychologists, nurses, child life specialists and social workers that have expertise in caring for children and adolescent with cancer.

Looking through the eyes of a child, the Meade Pediatric Hematology Oncology area has been designed as a cityscape, known as The Village. The colors and art provide a hopeful atmosphere that feels like a friendly town – not a clinical treatment center. Our physician offices and treatment areas were created to provide as warm and comfortable a setting as possible. Even the décor is geared to inspire and strengthen. A vibrant tree motif enlivens the area. Peruse snapshots of patients, or socialize at small play tables throughout the section. Colorful doorways highlight the consultation rooms. Click here for a virtual tour.

Children requiring inpatient care will be treated on the Pediatric unit of St. John Hospital. Recently renovated, our inpatient unit also provides a warm, kid-friendly environment.

The Staff

Our dedicated staff includes, from left to right, Adonis Lorenzana, M.D., JoAnn Kapa, R.N., Hadi Sawaf, M.D., and Rose Greenwood, P.N.P.

Treatment Options at The Village

• Hemophilia
• Bleeding disorders
• Thrombosis
• Sickle cell anemia
• Thalassemia
• Platelet disorders
• White cell disorders
• Anemias of childhood
• Childhood leukemia and lymphoma
• Brain tumors
• Kidney tumors
• Other pediatric cancer of any type

In children’s cancer, research is continually being conducted and has been critical to the significant advances that have been made to survival rates. Our physicians participate in Children’s Oncology Group (COG), an international research organization of healthcare professionals devoted to the study and treatment of pediatric malignancies. That means we can provide cutting edge treatment protocols for all forms of childhood cancer – even the most rare. St. John Hospital has been a member of COG for more than 12 years.

Managing pain for children with cancer and related conditions is a vital standard at The Village. We believe that treatment should be as pain-free as possible. Our services include:

• Conscious and deep sedation for painful procedures
• Patient controlled analgesia – self-administered pain medication
• Epidural anesthesia

We also provide a variety of non-pharmacological pain relief methods:

• Relaxation
• Guided imagery
• Diversional activities like reading or playing

Support is an important step in the coping and healing process for both children with cancer and their families. We introduce families to other families whose child has had a similar disease. This kind of peer support can be critical for children, siblings and parents who may feel that nobody else knows what they are experiencing.

Our staff psychologists, social workers and child life specialists are also available to counsel and support patients and their families.

The Meade Pediatric Hematology Oncology Center hosts Kids Kicking Cancer, a program designed to teach children to focus on their strengths and capabilities. The program uses martial arts to help kids move beyond pain and discomfort and become partners in their healing. It’s based on ten key principles: calm, strength, control, healing, projection, focus, meditation, faith, love and light. Instructors often accompany children to clinic appointments that may be difficult for the child. Kids Kicking Cancer helps young patients visualize the positive healing aspects of their various chemotherapies and other treatments.

For more information please call 313-647-3200.

The Meade Pediatric Hematology Oncology Center is located on the second floor of the Van Elslander Cancer Center. A three story, 69,000-square-foot facility located on the campus of St. John Hospital and Medical Center.

1. From I-94, take Moross Road exit 224A;
2. Go east on Moross about ¾ of a mile. St. John Hospital and Medical Center is on the left.
3. Pass the hospital and proceed to Mack Avenue.
4. Turn left, or north, on Mack Avenue.
5. Turn left at the first island and cross Mack to enter the St. John Hospital campus.
6. The cancer center is almost immediately on your right.