Frequent trips to Indianapolis were routine for Michiana children diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders. But today, the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program at Memorial Children’s Hospital provides many of the same essential services close to home.

Initially developed in 1992 in affiliation with Riley Children's Hospital, this program helps reduce the many trips to Indianapolis for routine treatments. Memorial's Pediatric Hematology/Oncology clinical staff is led by Medical Director Timothy Griffin, M.D. Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine. The comprehensive team led by Dr. Griffin includes a pediatric nurse practitioner, nurses, social services staff and a parent advocate. Together, they offer children and their families personal counseling, psychological support and coordination of treatment to minimize the impact of a chronic disease on daily life.

Services include:

Chemotherapy: Patients receive chemotherapy both in the outpatient department and on the inpatient pediatric floor. Treatments are given by chemotherapy-certified nursing personnel and are overseen by a Board Certified pediatric oncologist. Many patients receive treatments as part of clinical trials of the Children’s Oncology Group or other clinical research consortia.
Sickle Cell Therapy: Ongoing surveillance monitoring of children and adolescents with all forms of sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and other hemoglobinopathies, as well as management of acute complications.
Blood transfusions: Transfusions of packed erythrocytes, platelets, and other blood products as needed for cancer patients and those with transfusion-dependent anemias.
Specialized hematology testing: Evaluation and management of patients with anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and other hematologic disorders.
Teaching and school outreach: Providing education for patients, families, nursing students, medical students and residents, other health care providers, and other interested groups.
Family activities

Radiation Therapy: Provided by radiation oncologists at the Memorial Cancer Center. Some patients may travel to Indiana University in Indianapolis or Bloomington for special radiation oncology needs.
Hemophilia management: Working in conjunction with the Indiana Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center (IHTC), children and adolescents with all types of bleeding disorders and thrombophila are evaluated and treated. Members of the IHTC conduct periodic specialized, multidisciplinary outreach clinics.
Nutritional counseling: Nutritional complications are common in children with cancer or severe blood disorders. Nutritional surveillance and support is provided as part of routine care, in consultation with nutritional support staff.
Pediatric oncology support group
Bereavement services

Since its inception, the Memorial Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program has met the needs of more than 1,200 Michiana children with cancer and blood disorders.

Local community groups such as the Notre Dame Athletes plan several fun gatherings, events and support programs for the patients, siblings and parents throughout the year.

For more information, please contact the program staff at 800-284-6892.