Savannah Garner is a trouper. That is the biggest takeaway from the people closest to her. The fifth-grade girl from Louisville has been living with a medical condition for most of her life. Savannah was diagnosed at age 2 1/2, and for eight years, she has undergone treatment at Norton Children’s Hospital and Norton Children’s…
Cancer patients at Norton Children’s now have a furry companion to help them through treatment. Thanks to a gift from Aiden’s Legacy and with support from raiseRED, Luna is the newest employee of Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine. The 2-year-old black Labrador works in the cancer unit in Norton…
Supporting a child during leukemia treatment can feel overwhelming, but there are several things to help make the recovery at home easier and more comfortable. Making a few changes to the home can help a child be more comfortable during or after treatment: Lower the child’s bed or use a step stool. Put items or…
What is Wilms tumor? Wilms tumor is a type of cancer that starts in the kidneys. It is the most common form of kidney cancer in children. According to a new study, around 15% of children with Wilms tumor are genetically predisposed to the disease. Genetic testing is available to patients of Norton Children’s Cancer…
No one wants their child to get cancer, no matter what stage of life they’re in. The reality is, cancer can affect anyone at any time — but did you know that teaching your child certain healthy habits can help reduce their risk of cancer later in life? “It is never too early to learn…
It’s an unfortunate fact: Childhood cancer rates have been on the rise for the past few decades. Here are some of the top facts to know about childhood cancer: 10 childhood cancer facts Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 14. (Accidents account for the most deaths among children, according…
What is low-grade glioma? Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) are the most common brain tumors in children. A glioma is a type of tumor that starts in the brain or spinal cord, and low-grade means that the cancer grows at a slower rate. A low-grade glioma begins in the glial cells, which help the neurons in the…
Neuroblastoma is a rare type of childhood cancer that starts in the nerve cells of the sympathetic nervous system, and usually affects infants and children under age 5. The average age of diagnosis is 18 months. Around 800 new cases of neuroblastoma are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Neuroblastoma can be difficult to diagnose…
Cyclic neutropenia is a rare disorder that happens when the blood doesn’t have enough neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that aids in fighting bacteria. “In cyclic neutropenia, a child experiences regular episodes of low neutrophils, which make them more susceptible to bacterial infections,” said Ashok B. Raj, M.D., pediatric hematologist/oncologist with Norton Children’s Cancer…
Methotrexate and vincristine are complex words for most, but 7-year-old Beckham Goodale knows them and can pronounce them just as well as any doctor. They’re words no child should know, but this is the reality of pediatric cancer. Methotrexate and vincristine are Beckham’s chemotherapy treatments. He’s been battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia since December 2020. In…
Thirty-nine years ago, Diane Burnett, APRN, wasn’t sure she was cut out to care for kids with cancer and blood disorders. Give it a year, she figured. “I didn’t know if I would be a good fit for that,” Diane said. As it turned out, she was, and Diane’s job became a passion. One year…
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it can be overwhelming for the patient and their entire family. Parents likely will have many questions, especially in the beginning, and providers encourage them to be inquisitive during appointments. “Our patients’ families should feel empowered to ask us questions,” said Ashok B. Raj, M.D., pediatric hematologist/oncologist with…