Contact: Jim SugarmanFor Immediate Release

Telephone: Direct: 561.340.4068

Cell: 561.762.3818

Email: jim.sugarman@cliwpb.org

REAL LIFE SUPER HEROINES AWARDED

The Pediatric Oncology Support Team (POST) of the Child Life Institute is a group of true heroines. Their mission is to provide psychosocial services, educational support, referrals, advocacy and financial assistance for children with cancer and their families in Palm Beach, Treasure Coast and Hendry counties. For their tireless efforts they were recognized as finalists with a "Heroes in Medicine" award from the Palm Beach County Medical Society. The award presented at the Kravis Center acknowledged individuals who personify the ideals of their professions and repeatedly demonstrate a desire to go above and beyond expectations. Dedicated to children with cancer and their families, heroines Barbara Abernathy (of Jupiter ), Terrie Johnson, Darlene Flanigan (of Tequesta), Janis Worch, Karen Hansen, and Veronica Gaines of POST exemplify these high standards and consistently exceed what's needed by children with cancer and these families.

Amy...a story of child with cancer helped by POST

Amy, a 7 year old patient, came to the offices of the Pediatric Oncology Support Team (POST) of the Child Life Institute on the campus of St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach looking timid and overwhelmed. Her recent diagnosis of cancer was reflected in the terrified faces of her parents and visible by her thinning hair.

At POST she was welcomed warmly and it didn't take long before Amy's fearfulness was replaced by curiosity. She began to explore the play activities in the office and was intrigued by photos of other smiling boys and girls who were just like her. She looked at their bald heads and smiled. She was given the chance to ask questions and was offered a book on hair loss and cancer. Her parents received answers to their questions and were helped to navigate the quagmire of social service applications. The POST staff nurse provided the family with information regarding their child's illness and made an appointment to meet with them later in the week to answer other questions about treatments. Her parents were provided with information about coordinating services to maintain her schoolwork and a plan was made to tutor Amy while she was in the hospital. Amy found a place where she belonged and her parents found a place where the unmanageable and unthinkable could become more manageable, a place where the POST team members save the day everyday. And just as they have done for hundreds of other children with cancer and families, a staff of real life super heroines was there to respond to every imaginable need of Amy and her family.

During its ten years, POST of the Child Life Institute, has served over 400 children and their families. POST is the only comprehensive pediatric oncology psychosocial support program in Southeast Florida. For more information about POST and the work of the Child Life Institute call 561-340-4068.