Childhood Leukemia
Service Organizations (United States)
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF)
ALSF raises money to fund innovative research for better treatments and cures for pediatric cancer. It also offers financial assistance for travel to and from specific treatment centers and a SuperSibs program providing emotional support to siblings of kids with cancer.
Chai Lifeline/Camp Simcha
Chai Lifeline offers support service programs for Jewish children and their families, including medical referrals, support groups, visits to hospitalized and housebound children, financial aid, transportation, and a camp for kids with cancer.
Flashes of Hope
This organization matches professional photographers with families to create powerful, uplifting photographic portraits of children fighting cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
Gabe’s Chemo Duck Program
Parents can use Chemo Duck in play therapy to reinforce the education a child receives from a child life specialist or nurse. Chemo Duck can be personalized with a central line, a feeding tube, chest tube, or other medical device so the child can become comfortable with them through caring for his or her duck.
The JMML Foundation
The mission of the JMML Foundation is to cure juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) and to improve the quality of life of JMML patients and families worldwide through research, education, advocacy, and charity.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)
LLS provides financial assistance to families, funds research, sponsors a national education program for the public and the medical community, and publishes many booklets about cancer-related topics.
Monkey in My Chair
Monkey in My Chair provides children with cancer a “monkey kit” that includes a big stuffed monkey that takes their place in school when they are unable to be there. The kit contains a book to help teachers explain childhood cancer and its treatment to classmates to help them gain insight and empathy.
National CML Society (NCS)
The NCS provides educational resources, access to chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) specialists, and a network of people who share their personal CML experiences and successes.
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMC)
RMC is committed to helping families of seriously ill children by providing Ronald McDonald Houses, the Ronald McDonald Learning Program, and Ronald McDonald Family Rooms within hospitals.
Songs of Love Foundation
This volunteer group has more than 200 artists who produce personalized musical portraits for children with chronic or life-threatening diseases.
Table of Contents
All Guides- Introduction
- 1. Diagnosis
- 2. Overview of Childhood Leukemia
- 3. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
- 4. Acute Myeloid Leukemia
- 5. Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia
- 6. Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
- 7. Telling Your Child and Others
- 8. Choosing a Treatment
- 9. Coping with Procedures
- 10. Forming a Partnership with the Medical Team
- 11. Hospitalization
- 12. Central Venous Catheters
- 13. Chemotherapy and Other Medications
- 14. Common Side Effects of Treatment
- 15. Radiation Therapy
- 16. Stem Cell Transplantation
- 17. Siblings
- 18. Family and Friends
- 19. Communication and Behavior
- 20. School
- 21. Sources of Support
- 22. Nutrition
- 23. Insurance, Record-keeping, and Financial Assistance
- 24. End of Treatment and Beyond
- 25. Relapse
- 26. Death and Bereavement
- Appendix A. Blood Tests and What They Mean
- Appendix B. Resource Organizations
- Appendix C. Books, Websites, and Support Groups