Pediatric Hematology Oncology provides support programs for patients and their families dealing with cancer and blood disorders. We are constantly striving to cure children while improving the quality of their lives. Learn more about our social service programs designed to improve patient outcomes. These programs and services can be facilitated through the work of our dedicated social workers.
4th Angel Program
The 4th Angel Mentoring Program is an innovative, interactive approach to cancer support in which patients and caregivers are matched with trained volunteers. While emphasizing one-on-one contact, matches are primarily made based on similar age and cancer experiences to best empower caregivers and patients with knowledge, awareness, hope, and a helping hand. For more information on the 4th Angel Program, call 216.445.8734, or email 4thAngel@ccf.org.
Art & Music Therapy
Art Therapy is engaging in the creation of art, with the help of an Art Therapist, to assist with both emotional and physical healing and growth. Anyone can benefit from Art Therapy; it does not depend on talent or technical ability. The Art Therapist will discuss your interests and goals for the session and suggest art activities, which may include painting, sculpting, drawing, collage, or craftwork. Music Therapy, under the supervision of a board certified music therapist, combines music and therapeutic techniques and aids in the physiological, psychological, and emotional well-being of the individual during treatment of an illness.
Behavioral Health
Cleveland Clinic Children’s offers an array of specialized psychological services for children, adolescents, and their families. Consultation may be helpful for children who are having difficulty adjusting to hospitalization or illness, or where psychological, behavioral, or emotional factors may play a part in a child’s illness or actions.
Caring Canine Program
Cleveland Clinic’s Caring Canine teams are certified therapy dogs and volunteer handlers who provide emotional support, increase smiles and laughter, and generally reduce anxiety for patients and their families. Dog handlers and their pets deliver world-class service by visiting patients, families, and visitors during their time at Cleveland Clinic Children’s.
Child Life
Child Life Specialists are health professionals who assist children and adolescents and their families as they prepare for and cope with pediatric medical and emotional experiences such as surgery, hospitalization, tests, and procedures. We’ve discovered that when children understand what is happening to them, they cope more effectively and experience less trauma and anxiety. The Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation has a dedication Child Life Specialist available to our patients during their time with us.
Dec My Room
Dec My Room is all about “creating a healing place.” Volunteers shop and then decorate a hospital room, with knowledge of the interests and passions of each individual patient. The goal is to change a plain hospital room into a cozier, more personalized space that is filled with things that the patient will find comforting during their stay.
Flashes of Hope
Founded in 2001 by the parents of a child with cancer, Flashes of Hope is a volunteer-driven organization solely focused on children’s cancer. With chapters in 55 cities, Flashes of Hope photographs and creates portraits of children diagnosed with cancer. Since their founding, they have photographed nearly 64,000 children at hospitals across the United States. Flashes of Hope honors the courage of children with cancer, captures a moment in time, and funds research so that they will have the chance to create a lifetime of memories.
Integrative/Holistic Medicine
Nurse-administered aromatherapy, clinical hypnotism, tapping, and other methods are used to decrease the need for traditional pain medication for our pediatric patients.
Palliative Care
Our mission for Pediatric Palliative Care at Cleveland Clinic Children’s is to provide compassionate family-centered care to children of all ages facing complex, chronic conditions, while supporting and educating caregivers. The team will advocate to promote quality of life, enhance comfort, alleviate suffering, and foster coordination of care. Patients in the Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation have access to a dedicated nurse care coordinator from palliative care.
Social Work
Our social workers at Cleveland Clinic Children’s are licensed professionals. They are skilled in addressing the counseling, support, and advocacy needs of patients and their families. Patients in our department have access to two dedicated social workers in our outpatient clinic, as well as a social work team during their inpatient stays. If you would like to meet with one of our social workers, please call 216.444.5517 to make an appointment.
Spiritual Care
The Spiritual Care Department provides religious and spiritual needs for our patients, their families, and loved ones. Our clinically trained chaplains are committed to providing compassionate and appropriate spiritual care that respects the beliefs of each person.
