Vol. 29, No. 2
Important facts about cancer care at Dayton Children’s
One of the few pediatric programs in the country approved by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Affiliation with the national Children’s Oncology Group keeps Dayton Children’s at the forefront in cancer care for children. Comprehensive care team includes doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, nutritionists and others who provide medical and emotional support to children and families.
Dayton Children’s treats all infants, children and teens regardless of ability to pay.
“The child in Dayton receiving chemotherapy is treated the same as a child being treated anywhere else in the country.”
– Emmett Broxson, MD, director of hematology/oncology, Dayton Children’sFighting childhood cancer locally
Fighting cancer locally are Elizabeth Kunesh and her mother Tess who are creating a "Love Bowl" to auction at CHA-CHA, the biennial fundraiser for Dayton Children's Women's Board.
It’s been just over 10 years since Tess and Michael Kunesh of Kettering welcomed their fourth child Elizabeth. The joyful period following Elizabeth’s birth was short-lived, however. The newborn should have been kicking her legs, but she couldn’t seem to move them.
Elizabeth was three days old when she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a potentially fatal cancerous tumor. The tumor was in her abdomen and had already spread to her spine.
With this devastating news, Michael and Tess turned to the cancer care experts at The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton. Elizabeth started chemotherapy when she was 13 days old and when she was 6 months old, the tumor was removed.
Tess Kunesh says the doctors and staff at Dayton Children’s took wonderful care of her daughter during this very stressful time. “They did the best anyone could have done,” says Tess. “There is no question the quality of care at Children’s is exceptional.”
Before Elizabeth began treatment, Tess and Michael knew that their daughter would be treated using nationally reviewed and approved treatment protocols. Dayton Children’s is one of just a few pediatric programs in the country approved by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.
Dayton Children’s is home to the Comprehensive Care Center of Cancer and Blood Disorders and provides services from infancy to 20 years of age. The center has pediatric specialists who work as a team to provide complete and compassionate state-of-the art care for children with cancer and blood disorders.
In addition to the most advanced medical treatment, Dayton Children’s also provides psychological, social and other support to families whose child is undergoing treatment. All services are provided to every child regardless of the family’s ability to pay.
The cancer care team is committed to providing personal, family-directed care for each patient. The team will answer questions, ease fears and offer comfort as children recover. Care teams from inpatient, outpatient and home care work together to meet the needs of every family.
“We try to provide as much personalized care as possible,” says Emmett Broxson, MD, medical director of hematology/oncology. He estimates that 55 to 60 children are diagnosed with cancer and treated at Dayton Children’s every year and that the cancer center now cares for about 6,000 children as outpatients.
Dayton Children’s is part of the Children’s Oncology Group, a national research group, which focuses on the latest advances in children’s pediatric oncology, Dr. Broxson says. This affiliation allows Dayton Children’s to be at the forefront in cancer care for children.
“The child in Dayton receiving chemotherapy is treated the same as a child being treated anywhere else in the country,” he says.
When a child is diagnosed with cancer or a blood disorder, the family is given the full support of the specialized cancer care team at Dayton Children’s.
“We educate the family about the disease, the therapy and side effects of therapy. Our social workers and psychologists do an outstanding job in helping families understand what their child will be going through,” Dr. Broxson says.
Because children are different than adults, long-term follow-up is critical. The hospital has a long-term follow-up clinic for patients who have been through treatment. The clinic team tracks the long-term side effects of chemotherapy.
Elizabeth, who is healthy now, was diagnosed with cancer when she was three days old. She returns to Dayton Children's every year for follow-up appointments. The 10-year-old attends Incarnation School in Centerville.
Being able to receive the best care locally offered another advantage for the Kunesh family: With three young children at home, Tess and Michael did not have to leave them with caregivers in order for Elizabeth to obtain top cancer treatment.
“We were confident we were going to get good care at Dayton Children’s – and we did,” Tess says. She explains that she researched her daughter’s condition and her doctors – particularly Dr. Broxson – welcomed her many questions.
“Parents often don’t feel empowered, they feel helpless,” Tess says. “I felt confident in asking questions and pursuing things. The doctors at Dayton Children’s embraced my assertiveness.
“Whether I needed emotional support or answers to questions, Elizabeth’s care team was there for me,” she says.
It’s been 10 years since Elizabeth was treated for neuroblastoma as an infant. The tumor’s growth caused nerve damage and Elizabeth is a partial paraplegic. She uses leg braces or a wheelchair to move around.
She recently celebrated her tenth birthday in March by having a sleepover with friends. “Elizabeth is wonderful,” Tess says. “She loves to swim and go horseback riding. She’s very bright. Elizabeth is a totally normal kid.” Tess points out that Elizabeth’s classmates at Incarnation School in Centerville argue about who gets to push her wheelchair.
Elizabeth returns to Dayton Children’s every year for follow-up appointments. According to Tess, the care given at Dayton Children’s, then and now, has been key to Elizabeth’s recovery and happy life.
“Something that devastating can end up being a wonderful blessing,” Tess says. “Our relationship with Children’s is a wonderful blessing. Elizabeth represents what good can come from quality care.”
CHA-CHA:
The Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Care Endowment Fund will be the beneficiary of CHA-CHA 2005, the biennial fundraiser of Dayton Children’s Women’s Board. The dinner event features a live and silent auction of fabulous dream packages which include trips, jewelry and exquisite home décor. Elizabeth Kunesh will be painting and donating a “Love Bowl” as the first item to be auctioned at CHA-CHA. Elizabeth and Tess will also share their story at the event. The Women’s Board has pledged $400,000 in funding for the pediatric cancer care endowment fund. All proceeds from CHA-CHA will go toward the fund. Dayton Children’s total goal for the endowment fund is $2,000,000. For more information about CHA-CHA, sponsorship opportunities or the Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Care Endowment Fund, call 937-641-3405 . |
CHA-CHA, a fundraiser to benefit the cancer program at Dayton Children’s, will be held May 14, 2005 at Sinclair Ponitz Center.
Table of Contents |
1 Go outside and enjoy the spring!
2 Fun - and safety - in the sun
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