This document is a magazine from Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children aimed at parents. It provides health and safety tips for common summer activities like biking, swimming, sports, trampolines, and playground play. It encourages balancing fun with precautions like wearing helmets, supervision near water, proper conditioning, and ensuring safe playground surfaces. It also promotes the hospital's online patient portal for accessing care.
Attention! Please Forget Everything You've Been Told About Potty Training In The Past...
Discover a Proven Method For Quickly & Easily Potty Training Even The Most Stubborn Child in a very short time...
Attention! Please Forget Everything You've Been Told About Potty Training In The Past...
Discover a Proven Method For Quickly & Easily Potty Training Even The Most Stubborn Child in a very short time...
Promovendo o cuidado para o desenvolvimento da Primeira Infância: Ferramentas para ajudar as crianças sobreviverem e promovendo a saúde para o pleno desenvolvimento do potencial humano em tradução livre.
Neste documento de maio de 2018, a OMS e o UNICEF e seus parceiros declaram:
“Agora entendemos que o período entre a gravidez e os 3 anos é o mais crítico, quando o cérebro cresce mais rápido do que em qualquer outro momento; 80% do cérebro de um bebê é formado nessa idade. Para o desenvolvimento saudável do cérebro nestes anos, as crianças precisam de um ambiente seguro, acolhedor e amoroso, com a nutrição e a estimulação corretas de seus pais ou cuidadores. Esta é uma janela de oportunidade para estabelecer uma base de saúde e bem-estar cujos benefícios duram toda a vida - e levam para a próxima geração. ”
Parabéns OMS e Unicef - excelente publicação.
Prof. Marcus Renato de Carvalho
The school year has just started and it is a busy time for both parents and kids. Here are some back-to-school tips to ensure your child gets a healthy start.
Pediatrician Dr Yogesh P Mehta at Dr L H Hiranandani HospitalKrishna Singh
Our Endeavour at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital is to give very committed & precise neonatal care, so that childbirth which is the most beautiful, miraculous & probably the single most dangerous event that most of us have to encounter in our lifetime. Visit: https://www.hiranandanihospital.org
This is a compilation of recommendations for feeding of HIV-exposed infants based on WHO-UNICEF and the DOH Administrative Order. Ideally, patient's choice should still be considered whether exclusively breastfeeding or exclusively replacement feeding.
Promovendo o cuidado para o desenvolvimento da Primeira Infância: Ferramentas para ajudar as crianças sobreviverem e promovendo a saúde para o pleno desenvolvimento do potencial humano em tradução livre.
Neste documento de maio de 2018, a OMS e o UNICEF e seus parceiros declaram:
“Agora entendemos que o período entre a gravidez e os 3 anos é o mais crítico, quando o cérebro cresce mais rápido do que em qualquer outro momento; 80% do cérebro de um bebê é formado nessa idade. Para o desenvolvimento saudável do cérebro nestes anos, as crianças precisam de um ambiente seguro, acolhedor e amoroso, com a nutrição e a estimulação corretas de seus pais ou cuidadores. Esta é uma janela de oportunidade para estabelecer uma base de saúde e bem-estar cujos benefícios duram toda a vida - e levam para a próxima geração. ”
Parabéns OMS e Unicef - excelente publicação.
Prof. Marcus Renato de Carvalho
The school year has just started and it is a busy time for both parents and kids. Here are some back-to-school tips to ensure your child gets a healthy start.
Pediatrician Dr Yogesh P Mehta at Dr L H Hiranandani HospitalKrishna Singh
Our Endeavour at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital is to give very committed & precise neonatal care, so that childbirth which is the most beautiful, miraculous & probably the single most dangerous event that most of us have to encounter in our lifetime. Visit: https://www.hiranandanihospital.org
This is a compilation of recommendations for feeding of HIV-exposed infants based on WHO-UNICEF and the DOH Administrative Order. Ideally, patient's choice should still be considered whether exclusively breastfeeding or exclusively replacement feeding.
A governança de TIC entrou definitivamente na pauta da alta administração das empresas por ser um dos alicerces da governança corporativa, dentro de uma ambiente onde a TIC transformou-se em um ativo importante das empresas. O interesse na governança de TIC está relacionado com as iniciativas de conformidade, tais como a Sarbanes-Oxley e pelo acordo de Basiléia. Também, é uma oportunidade para gerenciar melhor os projetos de TIC que frequentemente estão fora de controle, afetando o desempenho das organizações. A governança de TIC deve responder as principais perguntas sobre planejamento, implantação, operação, controle e iniciativas de melhoria de processos das organizações de TIC. A governança de TIC conduz a uma maior maturidade das organizações de TIC e melhora a credibilidade da TIC nas empresas. A evolução da credibilidade de TIC está ligada diretamente a postura do CIO na empresa, que pode assumir uma posição mais tático/operacional ou estratégico/transformador.
From Birth to Adolescence_ The Journey with Your Pediatrician.pptxAnkura Hospital
A new mother is faced with the dilemma of whether to take her child to visit a family doctor or the best pediatric doctor Bhubaneswar. Nonetheless, you have to give seeing a physician significant thought if you're worried about your child's health. Take a look at the benefits of seeing a doctor.
Type 1 Essentials for Children and Young PeopleDiabetesUK
The Type 1 essentials for children and young people outline the ten things any parent should expect from their child’s diabetes care. It includes the care, checks and help that the child or family need to make sure their condition is managed well – in hospital, school and wider society.
Back-To-School Bugs: Keeping Kids Healthy When They’re in School PresentationJoan Mullally
Learn more about the most common germs your school-aged children are exposed to, and other key health concerns, to keep your children safe and healthy.
KEEP CALM AND BELLY ON: HOW TO DEAL WITH A HIGH-RISK PREGNANCYLovina Kapoor
High-risk pregnancy is a kind of pregnancy where the mother and the baby are at an increased risk of health problems during or after the delivery. Special monitoring and care are required in this type for pregnancy to keep a check on any upcoming issues and to take corrective actions in the right time.
Wellbeing Insights Newsletter August 2015CBIZ, Inc.
August is immunization awareness month! The August 2015 edition of Wellbeing Insights details what age you should get certain vaccines, how to save money at restaurants while still eating healthy and is rounded out with information on heat-related illnesses.
1. ROCKY
MOUNTAIN
KIDS
SUMMER 2016
Health newsfor parents fromROCKY MOUNTAINHOSPITAL FORCHILDREN®
Pediatric Asthma
and Family Vacations
page 3
Personalized Care
Anytime, Anywhere
page 4
5 New Rules of Healthy Eating
page 5
Turn to
page 10 to see
how an RMHC
physician
is fighting
childhood
cancer in the
developing
world
RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com
2. A Note From Dr. Washington
REGINALD WASHINGTON, MD, FACP
CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN®
With the arrival of summer, many of you will be taking time off
for fun and travel with your families. One thing you should
never take a vacation from, however, is your health. In this
issue of Rocky Mountain Kids, you will receive important
advice for keeping your family safe while enjoying all of the
outdoor fun that summer has to offer.
If your child suffers from asthma, it can be particularly
challenging to keep him or her safe on vacation. On page 3,
you can read about how to protect your child from asthma
attacks while traveling. Of course, when you are closer to
home, you can rely on Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children
for support. Through a special collaboration with National
Jewish Health for Kids, we provide clinical services for
children with respiratory, allergic and immune system
disorders at our Presbyterian/St. Luke’s campus.
We are also proud to support your family’s health and
well-being with 24-hour access to medical care and
information. Our secure online patient portal, MyHealthOne,
is a tool to help you manage your family’s health at your
convenience. You can read more about its benefits and how
to sign up in the pages of this magazine. Meanwhile, we
expanded access to 24/7 emergency care with the opening
of our newest dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department at
Sky Ridge in February.
These resources reflect our deep commitment to the
children and families of the Denver area. Yet, as you will see
in the feature about Dr. John van Doorninck’s volunteer work
in southeast Mexico, our impact extends far beyond the
region. I believe that Dr. van Doorninck’s use of his free time
to treat cancer in underprivileged children is representative
of the care and concern that our physicians and staff feel for
each and every child.
Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children is privileged to care
for and contribute to our community. We look forward to
serving you.
Wishing you a happy and healthy summer,
Reggie Washington, MD
Dear Parents and Friends of Rocky Mountain
Hospital for Children:
2 Summer 2016 ROCKY MOUNTAIN KIDS
Connect With Us
Want to learn more about hospital
happenings, get health tips or see
what others in the community are
talking about? Visit us on Facebook
or Twitter.
Visit us on social media via
Facebook (www.facebook.com/
RockyMountainHospitalForChildren) and
Twitter (twitter.com/RMHCfamily) to share
your suggestions today!
3. RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com 3
Breathe Easier!
Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children partners with National Jewish
Health for Kids to provide comprehensive pediatric respiratory and allergy
care at the Presbyterian/St. Luke’s campus. For an appointment, call
303-322-2203, or visit www.RockyMountainKidsRespiratoryAllergy.com
for more information.
YOUR CHILD’S TRAVEL PACK
Put everything you might need for your
child’s asthma in a small travel pack. Then
make sure the pack is with your child at all
times, including on the flight. Never check
it, even for a short flight, because a
checked bag can be lost or delayed.
“Always bring more medication than
you think your child will need, including
extra inhalers in case one gets lost,”
suggests Dr. Brar. “Also keep a copy of
your child’s asthma action plan —
including the doctor’s contact information
— extra written prescriptions and your
health insurance card. However, if your
child is having difficulty breathing, this is
not the time to wait for a call back from the
doctor. Seek emergency help right away!”
PEDIATRIC ASTHMA
AND FAMILY VACATIONS
hen your family goes
on vacation, your
child’s asthma comes
along. It’s important
not to take a break
from asthma care. Sometimes, a new
place brings new asthma challenges.
But with a little planning, you can feel
confident about dealing with them.
TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR
“It’s important to make sure your child’s
asthma is under control before going on
vacation,” says Kanwaljit Brar, MD,
assistant professor and a physician at
National Jewish Health for Kids, who also
sees patients at Rocky Mountain Pediatric
Respiratory and Allergy Care. “Talk with
your doctor if your child’s symptoms have
been more frequent or severe lately, or if
they’re interfering with daily activities or
sleep. If needed, the doctor can adjust
your child’s asthma action plan.”
Your doctor might also provide an
extra written prescription in case your
child’s medication is lost or an asthma
attack arises. You can also ask for the
doctor’s recommendations for managing
asthma triggers and a trusted health care
facility in the place your family is visiting.
W
• Quick-relief medication
• Long-term control
medication
• Spacer or holding chamber
• Nebulizer
• Peak-flow meter
• Allergy medication
ASTHMA FIRST AID KIT:
FOLLOWING AN ACTION PLAN
For your child with asthma, good asthma
care is as important while away as it is at
home. Make a conscious choice to keep
up good habits on vacation, and continue
your child’s daily controllers and allergy
medications. Avoid known triggers as
much as possible, and pre-treat if
necessary. Last but not least, enjoy this
time together! Having asthma shouldn’t
stop your child from having fun.
4. 4 Summer 2016 ROCKY MOUNTAIN KIDS
S
cheduling an appointment, paying a hospital bill and reviewing lab
test results has never been easier. Through MyHealthOne, Rocky
Mountain Hospital for Children’s newest online patient portal, you
can securely access important health information from your desktop computer,
smartphone or tablet. Available 24 hours a day, this enhanced patient portal
connects you to personal health records and helpful tools to manage care for
you or your loved one.
FEATURES OF MyHealthOne
MyHealthOne offers a friendly user interface, with new features that weren’t
available in the hospital’s previous patient portal. For instance, MyHealthOne
allows you to:
• Create a personalized user profile
• Manage the health of loved ones
• Find a doctor by searching for the doctor’s name,
specialty, location or keyword
• Make an appointment electronically — without needing
to call your provider’s office
• View details of recent hospital visits
• Preregister for procedures
• Pay recent hospital bills
What’s more, users can search the network for upcoming classes and events,
and register and pay for the event all in one place. You’ll then receive a
confirmation email and receipt.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Do you want to know more or need help signing up
for MyHealthOne? Give us a call at 1-855-422-6625.
To create an account, simply follow
the steps below.
If you’d like to link your medical
records to your MyHealthOne
account, you’ll need to provide your
social security number.
Visit www.RockyMountainHospital
ForChildren.com/MyHealthONE
and click on “Start managing your
health today.” Or you can visit
www.MyHealthONE.net.
Click “Create an account,”
enter your email address, and pick
your username and password. Once
you enter this information, you’ll be
notified in an email that your account
was successfully created. Remember to
check your spam folder if you don’t
receive the email within 10 minutes.
Once you’ve logged in, you’ll be
asked to answer a few questions
to verify your identity.
You’re ready to get started!
MyHealthOne:
PERSONALIZED CARE
Anytime, Anywhere
CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT —
IT’S EASY!
5. 5
As childhood obesity runs rampant, researchers have
rushed to study ways to improve kids’ diets. Their
surprising conclusion? Some classic techniques, such
as pushing or withholding food, just plain don’t work.
Harnessing their findings can help you guide your
child toward healthier eating habits.
OLD: Cleaning your plate.
NEW: Eat when you’re hungry, stop when you’re full.
Bodies come equipped with natural systems to regulate food intake —
hunger and fullness. Instead of overriding them, encourage kids to
put down their forks once they’re satisfied. Don’t fret if they don’t eat
much at one meal; if their bodies need more energy, they’ll likely make
it up at the next.
OLD: Closely monitoring each morsel.
NEW: Offering healthful options.
Instead of focusing on what kids shouldn’t eat, give them opportunities to
make good choices. The more fruits and vegetables you offer throughout
the day, the more kids will consume, research shows. Keep in mind they
may need time to warm up to new options.
OLD: Banning kids from the kitchen.
NEW: Involving everyone in healthy meals.
True, hazards like sharp knives, boiling water and dangling cords require
vigilance. Keep safety in mind, but invite children of all ages to play a role
in food selection and preparation. When each person lends a hand, family
meals become easier. Kids will feel invested in healthful choices.
OLD: Skipping dessert.
NEW: Balancing “sometimes” foods with healthier choices.
Taking treats completely off the table can rob kids of joy, and might make
group situations awkward and uncomfortable for your child. Consider
treats “sometimes” foods. When your kids face choices at events like
parties, teach them to take one indulgence along with several nutritious
options. That way, both their bodies and minds are satisfied.
OLD: Needling kids about their weight.
NEW: Modeling healthy, positive habits.
Making negative comments about your child’s size — or others’, including
your own — can harm kids’ body image. Though obesity does pose health
risks, families should focus more on living a healthy lifestyle than on
numbers or appearances, experts say. Set an example by eating more
fruits and veggies yourself. And model other aspects of a healthful
lifestyle, from staying active to sleeping enough to maintaining a positive
relationship with food and your body.
MEALTIME INSPIRATION
For nutritious and creative meal ideas, visit
www.RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com/hl
and click “Recipes” on the right.
FOR KIDS
5 NEW RULES OF
HEALTHY EATING
6. 6
hrough a child’s
eyes, summer looks
like an endless array
of long, playful days. But
as a grown-up, you see
things a bit differently.
You also see the dangers
that lurk outdoors that
can lead to broken bones,
burns and bike crashes.
It’s hard to know which
view to take: the free
spirit or the safety cop.
Stop trying to choose a
side. You can strike a
balance between your
adult nature and your
inner child (yes, the one
that agrees that dirt
doesn’t hurt). Read on to
learn what safety steps
are non-negotiable for
some of the most popular
kid pastimes. Check
them off your list, then go
have some fun.
T
Pools, playgrounds and trampolines should
incite excitement — not excessive anxiety. Parents, learn
how to promote summer fun without sacrificing safety.
Sun, Fun —
and Safety
THERE WHEN YOU NEED US
Even when you take precautions, emergencies can happen. When they
do, you can count on Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. To find the
closest emergency room and average wait time, text “ER” to 23000 or
download the FREE HealthONE Fast LocatER app on your smartphone at
www.HealthONECares.com/er. Or call 720-523-3888 and enter your ZIP code.
7. 7
BIKING
Your inner child says: Exploring the world
on two wheels offers your child freedom,
fun and a healthy dose of exercise.
Your adult voice says: Each year, about
8,000 children ages 14 and younger get
hurt in cycling accidents. And
unfortunately, about 60 are killed.
The healthier response: Don’t rush your
child off training wheels — most aren’t
ready for a two-wheeled bike until age 5.
Choose one that fits properly, allowing
your young cyclist to place both feet on the
ground while sitting on the seat.
When your child rides, insist that your
child wear a helmet for every ride. Choose
one that meets the safety standards of
the Consumer Product Safety Commission
(check the inside label for the stamp of
approval). In the event of a crash, helmets
protect kids from more severe injury.
SWIMMING
Your inner child says: For many kids, the
very definition of summer fun involves
splashing in the pool, lake or ocean.
Your adult voice says: Unintentional
drowning is a real and very serious risk.
Many children who die — especially the
youngest — do so in home swimming pools.
The healthier response: Never let kids
near pools or other bodies of water
unattended. Designate at least one adult
who knows how to swim and can oversee
kids without distraction. For infants and
toddlers, this grown-up should stay at arm’s
length, providing “touch supervision.”
Swimming lessons may help protect
your little one from drowning. The
American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends signing kids up when
they’re ready, which almost always
occurs by age 4. Still, even trained
swimmers need a watchful adult nearby.
And keep safety equipment, such as life
preservers, on hand.
TEAM SPORTS
Your inner child says: Joining the squad
helps your child build friendships and
learn sportsmanship.
Your adult voice says: Of the
38 million kids and teens who suit up
each year, more than 2.6 million end up
in the emergency room with sports-
related injuries. Many more develop less
severe but still debilitating aches and
pains. And as the mercury rises, so does
the risk of heat-related illness during
practice, games or matches.
The healthier response: Ensure your
child plays against opponents of similar
size and ability, even if they’re different
ages. And help children train for their
sport. Proper physical conditioning can
protect arms, legs and other body parts
from damage. Coaches can also help
design programs that increase strength
and fitness safely over time.
To stay cool in hot temperatures,
encourage coaches to schedule games
and practices in the morning or late
afternoon instead of in the heat of the
day. Give your child a water break every
20 minutes. And stop the game and call
for help if your child shows signs of
heat-related illness, including faintness,
headache, nausea and vomiting.
JUMPING ON TRAMPOLINES
Your inner child says: Few feelings
match the uninhibited enjoyment of
sailing through the air. Plus, jumping
counts as exercise.
Your adult voice says: Each year,
almost 100,000 people get injured by
falling, landing wrong or colliding with
another person on these springy mats.
More than 3,000 bounce straight into the
hospital. The consequences range from
cuts and scrapes to serious head and
neck injuries.
The healthier response: If you must
have a home trampoline, cover the edges
with protective padding. Allow only one
jumper at a time, ban somersaults and
always supervise. Plus, check your
homeowner’s insurance policy — you
may have to buy an additional rider to
cover trampoline-related injuries.
You can also leave the trampoline
jumping for gymnastics lessons and
encourage alternative forms of exercise,
like jumping rope.
PLAYING AT THE PLAYGROUND
Your inner child says: Swings, monkey
bars and seesaws encourage kids to
test — and extend—their physical limits.
Did you say monkey bars? They’re just
plain fun.
Your adult voice says: Even backyard
swing sets pose safety risks. After hours
in the sun, metal, plastic and rubber
equipment can scald your child’s skin,
while wooden materials supply splinters.
Ropes and nets may trap small heads.
And falling from a swing, slide or other
structure onto a hard surface like
concrete or asphalt can cause injuries.
The healthier response: Start by
installing equipment properly and safely.
Choose all-weather woods and metal
covered with heat-reducing coating.
Place energy-absorbent materials, such
as safety-tested mats or wood chips,
underneath. Make sure they cover at
least 6 feet in all directions (even farther
for swings and slides).
Before playtime, check the
temperature of all equipment. Watch
children closely, especially those
attempting to climb to heights above
their heads. Frequently inspect
equipment for loose joints, rusted chains
and jagged edges that could catch a
child’s clothing, and make necessary
repairs immediately.
8. 8
F
ew children have heart attacks or strokes. But
research shows that catching risk factors for these
conditions at a young age leads to health benefits
years down the line.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
recommends you should have your child’s cholesterol
checked at least once between ages 9 and 11, and again
between ages 17 and 21.
UPDATED GUIDELINES AFFECT CHILDREN
REGARDLESS OF FAMILY HISTORY
Previously, doctors only checked cholesterol levels in kids
with a family history of heart disease. But according to
the AAP, this technique missed between one-third and
two-thirds of children at risk.
Talk with your child’s doctor about the best age to start
testing. Children with risk factors such as diabetes or high
blood pressure may need to begin testing as young as age 2.
HEALTHY CHANGES PREVENT,
TREAT HIGH CHOLESTEROL
Help your children enter adulthood healthy and happy by:
• Cutting back on fat. Kids older than age 4 should get
between 25 and 35 percent of their calories from fat,
including less than 10 percent from saturated fat.
• Skipping simple carbohydrates, such as white bread,
sugary cereals and sodas. These foods may raise
triglycerides and lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
Instead, feed kids whole grains, including whole-wheat
bread, oatmeal (without added sugars) and brown rice.
• Encouraging exercise. Most kids should get an hour of
physical activity every day. If your child has low HDL,
high LDL or high triglycerides, his or her doctor may
suggest even more.
For more ideas on healthy choices for your family,
visit the AAP’s site at www.healthychildren.org and
choose “Healthy Living” from the menu on the right.
Does Your
Child Need A
CHOLESTEROL
TEST?
FIRST CALL®
FOR CHILDREN
If you have a question about your child’s cholesterol
or any other health matter and your doctor’s office
is closed, call our FREE Nurse Advice Line. It’s
available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to
5 p.m., and 24 hours on weekends and holidays.
Call 303-563-3300 in the Denver metro area,
or dial the toll-free line at 1-877-647-7440.
9. RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com 9
CORNER
Since 1984, Mothers’ Milk Bank (MMB) has
distributed more than 4 million ounces of donor
human milk from more than 10,000 women to
countless babies nationwide.
Stacy Sampson, a Boulder resident, became our
10,000th donor in April. Stacy gave birth to her
daughter, Cora, prematurely last October due to
severe preeclampsia and other complications.
Cora was immediately given donor human milk
from MMB while in the Neonatal Intensive Care
Unit (NICU). Shortly thereafter, Stacy began
producing and pumping her milk. She quickly had
an oversupply and decided to donate her excess
milk to MMB.
Those who receive donor milk from women like
Stacy are most grateful. Marcy Murphy and Jason
Berge are among the hundreds of thousands of
parents whose babies have benefited from this
precious gift. When 21 weeks pregnant, Marcy
was diagnosed with one of the most aggressive
forms of breast cancer. A lumpectomy was
performed at 23 weeks. Following the procedure,
Marcy was also diagnosed with preeclampsia.
Their daughter, Kaylee, was delivered with
complications a month early by cesarean section.
“When she came out, she wasn’t breathing. It
took them about 22 minutes to get her to
breathe,” remembers Marcy. Kaylee was in the
NICU for 14 days. MMB provided donor human
milk during that time, which was critical for
Kaylee’s recovery.
A nonprofit program of Rocky Mountain
Children’s Health Foundation, MMB collects,
processes and provides donor human milk to
babies across the country. Many of our recipients
are born prematurely or have a severe illness,
requiring human milk to thrive.
FOUNDATION
4 Ten for Babies
Learn how you can help families faced with major health challenges.
www.rmchildren.org/give-now | info@rmchildren.org | 303-839-6782
Like us on
www.facebook.com/RMCHF.
“My daughter
is healthy and
thriving. I am so
thankful for the
opportunity to help
other babies like
Cora get a good
start.”
— Stacy Sampson
“One of the first things I asked was,
‘can we use donor milk?’ We talked
to the doctors and they said this is
the best thing you can do for your
baby to ensure that she’s going to
grow and be healthy in the future.”
— Jason Berge
“We feel incredibly lucky.
At every doctor’s visit, she
continues to grow. She’s little
because she was so premature,
but she’s right where she
should be.” — Marcy Murphy
Marcy Murphy and Jason Berge, and Erin and Haven Anderson
offered words of inspiration and gratitude at Kaleidoscope 2016.
Kaleidoscope is an annual celebration held in February that raises
funds and resources for RMCHF. In four short years, Kaleidoscope
has generated more than $1.2 million in support of our mission.
Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for pediatric
patients and their families in the Rocky Mountain region.
10. 10 Summer 2016 ROCKY MOUNTAIN KIDS
very day, health care providers
at Rocky Mountain Hospital for
Children provide exceptional
care for the children and
families they treat. They also work with
colleagues who help children with cancer
beyond the walls of the hospital and
even outside the state of Colorado.
John van Doorninck, MD, is a pediatric
hematologist/oncologist at Rocky
Mountain Hospital for Children who is
committed to improving care for children
with cancer in low- and middle-income
countries. Dr. van Doorninck is a
volunteer with World Child Cancer USA,
a nonprofit organization dedicated to
improving cancer diagnosis, treatment
and care for children across the
developing world. He’s also an
ambassador with Project C.U.R.E.,
the largest provider of donated
medical supplies and equipment to
developing countries.
Over the past few years,
Dr. van Doorninck has been involved
in an exciting new partnership between
Project C.U.R.E. and World Child
Cancer USA to help children with
cancer in developing countries. That
partnership recently came to fruition
in Southeast Mexico, where childhood
cancer is the second-leading cause
of death. “More children there die of
cancer than from common conditions
like diarrhea or malnutrition,”
Dr. van Doorninck says.
In parts of the area, 95 percent of
families live below the poverty line.
Approximately 700 children in the
region are diagnosed with cancer each
year. In the developing world, pediatric
cancer survival rates are significantly
lower than they are in other parts of
the world — as low as 50 percent in
Southeast Mexico compared with
80 percent in the U.S.
IMPROVING CANCER CARE
FROM THE GROUND UP
Thanks to this new partnership,
Project C.U.R.E. is sending a 53-foot-
long shipping container filled with
about $700,000 worth of equipment to
three facilities in Southeast Mexico.
World Child Cancer will support the
opening of a new pediatric cancer ward,
provide training for personnel on using
the equipment, launch a patient
database, hire a database manager,
offer training workshops for providers
and families, build a hostel for families
to stay in while their children are
undergoing treatment and establish
support groups.
“It’s a significant undertaking,
but a project we’re all very proud of,”
Dr. van Doorninck says. “Building
something like a database may not
seem significant, but one thing we’ve
learned is that you can’t address a
Working Together
to FIGHT CHILDHOOD
CANCER in the
Developing World
E
11. problem, gain funding or track progress
unless you can quantify it, so putting a
database in place is very important.”
Scott Howard, MD, is a pediatric
hematologist/oncologist and chairman
of World Child Cancer USA. “This
collaboration is ideal because Project
C.U.R.E. is extremely good at getting
the equipment that’s needed, including
beds, monitors, lab tools and much
more, while World Child Cancer’s
strength is program development,
education, training, monitoring and
tracking how those items are being
used,” he says.
Education is a cornerstone of this
partnership. World Child Cancer is
providing training for physicians, nurses,
social workers and other health care
professionals who care for children with
cancer, says LeAnn Fickes, executive
director of World Child Cancer USA.
“We also educate health care
professionals on how to teach families
about the importance of following
through with all necessary treatment. In
Southeast Mexico, about 20 percent of
children do not complete treatment, do
not take all their medications or fail to
attend follow-up appointments.” Tristan
Flatt, DO, is a hematologist/oncologist
at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas
City and a collaborator with World Child
Cancer who will be playing a key role in
the training programs for medical staff
and families.
BUILDING A
BRIGHTER FUTURE
The collaboration is designed to
improve access to care for children with
cancer and to increase their survival. But
by improving physical infrastructure and
attracting and training staff, it is also
expected to have a positive impact on
the care of patients suffering from other
conditions. Ultimately, this partnership
will help build a network of hospitals in
Southeast Mexico that can rely on
themselves to provide the highest level
of pediatric cancer care in the region.
“At first, it will be an international
collaboration where physicians in
Southeast Mexico will coordinate with
experts affiliated with World Child Cancer
to talk through how they approach each
patient’s case, what the options are and
how to make a decision about patients’
care,” Dr. Howard says. “Eventually, by
replicating what we’re doing in Mexico
with other facilities in Central America,
they’ll become more autonomous and can
take this same approach by collaborating
with one another.”
The partnership between World Child
Cancer and Project C.U.R.E. represents
an important opportunity for improving
outcomes for children with cancer in
Southeast Mexico. The hope is that it will
become a model for future opportunities
in other parts of the developing world so
that these organizations can continue
making a difference in even more
children’s and families’ lives across the
globe. If you would like to contribute to
World Child Cancer USA’s lifesaving
work, you can donate on its website at
www.worldchildcancer.us/donate.
COMPREHENSIVE CARE
To learn more about oncology and other services offered
by Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children, visit
www.RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com/services.
From left: Dr. van Doorninck,
LeAnn Fickes and Dr. Scott Howard
From left: Dr. Marco Escamilla, LeAnn
Fickes, Dr. Scott Howard and Dr. Pedro
Torres signing a partnership
agreement at the Hospital DIF de la
Niñez Hidalguense in Hidalgo, Mexico
A childhood cancer
patient raising
awareness on
World Cancer Day
2016 at the
Hospital DIF de la
Niñez Hidalguense
In Oaxaca Mexico with Project C.U.R.E., World Child Cancer USA,
and partner hospital, Hospital de la Niñez Oaxaqueña
Seven-year-old Maria,
a leukemia patient in
Oaxaca, Mexico, and
her mom