Child Life

The Child Life program specializes in reducing stress and anxiety for children in the hospital through methods of distraction, play, and support. Child Life also fosters an environment for emotional growth and encouragement. The Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders includes a Child Life Specialist to serve patients. Contact a Child Life Specialist by calling (423) 778-7155.

Helpful Links: www.curesearch.org www.www.nih.gov www.sicklecelltn.org www.stompoutsicklecell.org www.hemophilia.org

The Center for Childhood Cancer & Blood Disorders at

The Center for Childhood Cancer & Blood Disorders at T.C. Thompson Childrens Hospital
910 Blackford Street Chattanooga, TN 37403 Phone: (423) 778-7289 Fax: (423) 778-6848

Social Services
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology social work is a specialty discipline committed to enhancing the emotional and physical well-being of children diagnosed with cancer and their families. The center includes a social worker dedicated to oncology who can assist in understanding the medical dynamics of a chronic illness, provide educational and financial information, and help families through the initial stages of dealing with a cancer diagnosis. A social worker is also responsible for improving the lives of families living with hemophilia and sickle cell. Contact our Social Worker by calling (423) 778-4662.

www.erlanger.org/childrens

Childhood Cancer
The Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders diagnoses and treats more than fifty new cancer patients per year. Children can receive family-centered care and services that include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation oncology, child life and social services. We are part of the Childrens Oncology Group (COG), which provides state-of-the-art cancer research protocols that are implemented in over 230 hospitals around the country. Families can be treated locally at T.C. Thompson Childrens Hospital and maintain supportive community ties in order to improve the patients healing process. Summer camp activities are offered as well as weekly entertainment activities for patients and their families. The center also advocates for patients to achieve higher education and provides information on scholarships for survivors.

Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited condition within the African American population. One in every 400 babies is born with sickle cell disease, which causes abnormally shaped red blood cells. Anemia (low blood), serious infections, painful crises and stroke can be prevented and treated if the disease is well-managed. The Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders treats clients with sickle cell disease from birth to 25 years of age in a comprehensive environment. Emphasis on early detection, prevention, and screening for potential complications of disease is discussed in multidisciplinary clinics. Additionally, those diagnosed with sickle cell disease learn to advocate for themselves in school and in the work environment, leading to life-long healthy outcomes.

Hemophilia
Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding condition in which the blood does not clot normally. Through the Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, families are educated in a comprehensive, multidisciplinary setting on how to recognize early signs of joint bleeding and how to handle complications of the disease.

Family Education Room

The family education room is located inside the Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders. Educational material regarding diagnosis and treatment of oncology, sickle cell disease, hemophilia and other hematology disorders is presented for families to peruse at their leisure. Psychosocial support information and school age material is available for parents and families. Current information is continuously added to the room and the staff encourages family members and caregivers to stop by frequently.