Castle Encourages Kids to Complete Cancer Treatments
The University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center (UMGCC) has come up with a fun way to encourage children to complete radiation treatments for cancer.
UMGCC’s Magic Castle program, which is funded by the Children’s Cancer Foundation, grants wishes to pediatric oncology patients who complete radiation therapies for childhood cancers. Prior to beginning treatment, each child places three written wishes inside the colorful Magic Castle and they’re told the castle’s princess will grant one of them after all the sessions are finished. Once the last radiation treatment is done, staff members and family members gather for a small party where the gift is presented to the child. Gifts typically include popular items like Game Boys, iPods and DVD players.
Dr William Regine was inspired to create the Magic Castle after seeing the positive impact of other wish granting programs being used at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. As he said,
“It makes a difference. Some of these patients may not have gotten through their treatment otherwise, due to the high anxiety level associated with this type of treatment.”
Dr William Regine
Director of Radiation Oncology, UMGCC
If you’d like to learn more about the Magic Castle Program, you can contact UMGCC at 1-800-888-8823.
Source: Greenebaume Cancer Center Radiation Oncology Program
Related Links: Vermont Public Radio; Make-A-Wish Foundation
Technorati Tags: leukemia; bone cancer; retinoblastoma; rhabdomyosarcoma; lymphoma; Baltimore
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