JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 Nemours Children\u2019s Health in Jacksonville has received a $1 million, 10-year commitment from the Child Cancer Fund to support oncology Child Life services.<\/p>\n
This generous donation will fully fund the oncology Child Life Specialist position, providing emotional, educational, and therapeutic support for children undergoing cancer treatment for the next decade.<\/p>\n
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <\/b><\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe Child Cancer Fund\u2019s $1 million commitment to this oncology Child Life Specialist position helps ensure that our patients receive care that addresses their whole health — physically, emotionally, and developmentally,\u201d said Aaron Carpenter, North Florida President for Nemours Children\u2019s Health.<\/p>\n Carla Montgomery, Executive Director of Child Cancer Fund, emphasized the importance of the role, stating, \u201cWe cannot over-emphasize the positive impact the Child Life Specialist has on children during cancer treatment.\u201d<\/p>\n The position is funded in memory of Christy Keirnan, who lost her battle with cancer in 2005, highlighting the Child Cancer Fund\u2019s dedication to supporting local patients and their families.<\/p>\n Child Life Specialists are clinically trained to help patients and their families cope with stress from illness, using therapeutic play, coping strategies, and techniques like relaxation and guided imagery.<\/p>\n Oncology Child Life Specialists are specially trained to help cancer patients manage the anxiety and fear associated with treatments such as needle sticks and chemotherapy.<\/p>\n The announcement coincides with the retirement of Joli Craver, the current Nemours Children\u2019s Oncology Child Life Specialist.<\/p>\n [DOWNLOAD: <\/b>Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks<\/b><\/a>]<\/b><\/p>\n