Guide for Parents

Here is a helpful site sponsored by the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation that has a series of 20 animated short films, imaginary friends explain a wide range of complicated cancer topics in a way that kids can understand. Because the more they understand about their treatment, the less scary it will be.


This is an excellent guide produced by the National Cancer Institute. If you have been newly introduced to the childhood cancer community, the NCI Guide for Parents is excellent material to help guide you in your journey.

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The 2022-23 U.S. News & World Reports Best Hospitals

Top 10 Best Children’s Hospitals for Cancer

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Pediatric Cancer  Ranking 2021

US News & World Reports June 15, 2021
  1. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia   Philadelphia, PA | (215) 590-1000
  2. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute   Boston, MA | (877) 442-3324
  3. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati, OH | (513) 636-4200
  4. Texas Children’s Hospital  Houston, TX | (832) 824-1000
  5. Children’s National Hospital  Washington, DC | (202) 476-5000

What does NCI “Comprehensive” designation mean to patients?

“Comprehensive” designation means patients get access to leading-edge treatments, including development of personalized therapies based on the unique molecular characteristics of individual patients’ tumors, and access to clinical trials in early phases of drug development. It also means that the physicians who see patients in clinic are collaborating with researchers to develop new approaches to detecting, preventing and beating cancer for all populations.

There are 51 cancer centers in the United States designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.  For a complete list go to: https://www.cancer.gov/research/nci-role/cancer-centers/find

Port Access

Many children will use a Port when treated for Childhood Cancer. Here is a useful video explaining what a port is and how it is used.

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