Hematology and oncology patients at Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center at Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach will soon benefit from Beckstrand Cancer Foundation's expansion of the existing Art Therapy Program, developed to provide children with creative outlets for coping with cancer or serious blood disorders and the treatment process associated with their diagnoses.
 Research has shown that young patients – both children and adolescents – who have been diagnosed with cancer or serious blood disorders experience a myriad of psychosocial and psychological stressors throughout the long-term illness experience. Initiated last year by Beckstrand Cancer Foundation with the help of JJCCC’s founding Medical Director, Jerry Finklestein, MD, the Art Therapy Program provides patients with a positive way to express the diverse impact of these stressors.
According to Lil Spitzer, Executive Director of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation, (pictured right) the program’s success and subsequent demand were catalysts for the expansion decision.
“This investment will double the program’s availability, reaching substantially more pediatric patients in need—addressing the patients’ hopes, fears and expectations, helping them cope through diversion and empowerment and improving their overall treatment experience,” said Spitzer, underscoring the Foundation’s passionate commitment to improving and enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients and their families.
When participating in Art Therapy, the children utilize mixed media — markers, crayons, clay, colored pencils and paint — to convey their challenges and sensitivities within an environment that’s safe and unintimidating. It’s not uncommon for children to create a series of creative art pieces in an effort to better express their feelings.
Shares Spitzer, “[Art Therapy] uses the creative process to enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of the children during a time filled with emotions and struggles.”
Community Support
 Community support whether it be a charitable gift, or simply the gift of time, helps young patients with cancer and serious blood disorders in our community. JJCCC is always looking for volunteers to help at events or help raise funding for JJCCC’s research and psychosocial programs.
Annual Champions Run for Life “Torch Run”
More than 50 celebrities starring in children’s television shows and movies join more than 250 children with cancer, sickle cell disease and other serious blood disorders where they run, walk, wheel or are carried in a relay—passing an Olympic-style torch in front of more than 2,000 spectators. This year is the 25th anniversary of the Torch Run! For more information contact Annie Santos
 Help a Child - Hearts Program
The help a child program allows individuals to make "a gift of life" to a JJCCC patient through a small purchase of just one dollar. Retail stores, businesses and schools can sell hearts and display them proudly at their location or allow the purchaser to take the heart home and post it as they wish. The program works wonderfully as a point of purchase appeal, as a corporate competition amongst employees or as a school fundraiser. For more information contact contact Annie Santos
JJCCC Volunteers
JJCCC volunteers take part in their own community fundraisers, volunteer their time to work at special fundraising events, support the “Help a Child-Hearts Program” at local businesses, donate toys and books to children with cancer and serious blood disorders or even volunteer in the JJCCC office. Even children can participate in the “Scrubs” program. For more information contact Annie Santos
 Profiles of Courage Gala
Each year Jonathan Jaques Children's Cancer Center and its extended family attend a black tie, dinner/dance/auction celebrating the courage of children fighting cancer or a serious blood disease. The event caps a wonderful day at the Champion's Run for Life “Torch Run” and honors the patients, families, physicians, nurses, health care professionals and volunteers who work together to make a difference in the battle against serious illness. For more information contact Annie Santos
JJCCC Partners
|
care centers 
