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Pediatric Oncology
Miami Cancer Institute 2021 Philanthropy Impact Report
Pediatric Oncology
Philanthropy is making a significant impact on our youngest cancer patients, funding initiatives that highlight our commitment to compassionate patient- and family-centered care.
Reimagine Well kits, a virtual reality tool, help educate pediatric and adult patients on the expectations of a brain MRI prior to the diagnostic test.
With your support, pediatric patients and their siblings enjoyed a special event series featuring cooking demos, art activities and unique experiences with community partners including Zoo Miami and Miami Children’s Museum; in addition to special programming during the month of September in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Philanthropy continues to fund end of treatment gifts for all pediatric cancer patients.
Reimagine Well kits, a virtual reality tool, were purchased to educate pediatric and adult patients on the expectations of a brain MRI prior to the diagnostic test, helping to reduce patient anxiety and decrease movement during these exams.
An in-house psychologist continue to provide emotional support to pediatric oncology patients and their families, bringing a sense of trust, consistency and a level of comfort to patients and their families.
The Community Relations team, in collaboration with the Psychosocial Oncology team, developed a new Adolescent and Young Adult resource guide that includes support services, special programs and a new support group for patients ranging from 15-39 years of age.
Pediatric Oncology
Miami Cancer Institute Marks 1,000th Patient Treated with Proton Therapy.
In March 2021, teen cancer patient Emma-Jane Hinton rang the bell at Miami Cancer Institute, signifying the end of treatment for her brain tumor, the return to life – and a cure. It was a significant day for another reason as well. Emma-Jean was the Institute’s 1,000th proton therapy patient, making it the most experienced proton center in the region. With the addition of the proton therapy program in 2017, the Institute also became the only cancer center in the world with every type of radiation therapy available under one roof.
Some 15 percent of the Institute’s 1,000 proton patients are children, while 85 percent are adults. The advantage of proton therapy is that with its advanced form of pencil beam scanning, Miami Cancer Institute experts can precisely target tumors and reduce radiation to nearby organs. X-rays used in traditional radiation therapy pass through tissue and organs on the way in and out of the body.
Most common diseases treated with proton therapy
Prostate cancer Breast cancer Head and neck tumors Gastrointestinal tumors Sarcomas Lymphomas Gynecological malignancies Tumors of the central nervous system
