Ethie Haworth Children's Cancer Center

The Ethie Haworth Children’s Cancer Center had a remarkable recruitment season, successfully matching their top candidate, Dr. Paige Cassidy, in the pediatric hematology oncology fellowship match. Additionally, Dr. Jenna Braun was brought on outside of the match. In a year when many programs went unfilled, this achievement stands out as a significant success. This would not have been possible without the generous support of our philanthropic community.

Since the introduction of photobiomodulation (“red light therapy”), the Ethie Haworth Children’s Cancer Center has observed a decrease in the number of bone marrow transplant patients with severe mouth sores requiring IV nutrition and opioid pain medications, from 81% to 75%. On average, patients receiving red light therapy needed 3.5 fewer days of opioids, resulting in less sedation, less constipation, and greater comfort.

Philanthropic support of Dr. Duffner’s position as the Dykema Family Endowed Section Chief of Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant has allowed for the timely recruitment of Dr. Alex Lake to the bone marrow transplant team. Dr. Lake, who completed his residency at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, recently finished his transplant fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital. He also brings valuable expertise in gene therapy.

On October 16, the Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation hosted a very special night to preview and celebrate the upcoming James B. Fahner, M.D. Outpatient Clinic at the Ethie Haworth Cancer Center! That night, Dr. Jim Fahner was recognized for his years of leadership and dedication to patients and families.

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital prides itself on delivering high-quality, patient- and family-focused care. To provide the best care for vulnerable children, multiple subspecialists often collaborate. For example, Fiona, a little girl with Down Syndrome, arrived at HDVCH on her first birthday with lethargy and a pale complexion. Her family had recently moved from out of state, and her pediatrician in Lansing recommended HDVCH for her care.

Fiona was diagnosed with acute leukemia and critically low red blood cell levels, causing severe lethargy and fluid buildup around her heart. With coordinated care from the HDVCH team, pediatric cardiology, and the pediatric intensive care team, Fiona received urgent treatment, including fluid drainage and life-saving blood transfusions, before starting chemotherapy. She is now in remission, and her heart is healthy and strong.

Philanthropy supports families like Fiona’s through the Pediatric Oncology Resource Team (P.O.R.T.), housing at Renucci Hospitality House when their home is far away, and sibling support. You are making a difference for Fiona’s family and hundreds of others each year.