A Healing Environment for Children with Cancer

Creating a healing environment for children and young adults with cancer

The Angie Fowler Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Institute at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital is a care model conceived for treating children and young adults whose cancer journeys present challenges that are different from those of adults. Angie’s Institute was one of the first cancer centers in the country to offer separate, age-appropriate space and amenities for its patients and their families – a design top cancer centers around the world are emulating.

In 2019, UH neared completion of the Andrew Uhrman Inpatient Unit at Angie’s Institute. As a lasting tribute from Seth Uhrman to his 10-year-old son Andrew, who passed away from a rare blood disorder, the newly renovated space features: private patient rooms; TVs and sleeping accommodations for parents; specialized isolation rooms for bone marrow transplant patients; a designated exercise area; separate, spacious lounges for teens and children with age-appropriate entertainment options; and a large family room with kitchenette.

The new inpatient unit complements the institute’s state-of-the-art outpatient unit and rooftop garden, sky lobby and horticultural therapy suite. Like these other floors, the Andrew Uhrman Inpatient Unit utilizes vibrant colors and textures to create a warm and embracing environment.

“The Andrew Uhrman Inpatient Unit completes Angie’s Institute as a home away from home for our patients and their families while they receive treatment,” said John Letterio, MD, Director, Angie’s Institute and Jane and Lee Seidman Chair in Pediatric Cancer Innovation at UH Rainbow. “It is our privilege to provide the best possible medical care in a personalized and comfortable healing environment.”