When your child receives a cancer or blood disorder diagnosis, it might seem like time stands still. You’re scared. You have questions — and we completely understand. At Children’s Nebraska, we are here to guide you, your child, and your family.
Pediatric hematology and pediatric oncology are two related medical specialties that focus on cancer (oncology) and blood disorders (hematology) in children. At Children’s, we provide care for kids of all ages.
Make An Appointment
Phone 402-955-3950 | Fax 402-955-3972
What Sets Children’s Apart?
We are the only pediatric hematology/oncology service in the state:
- We are nationally-known experts in childhood cancer with high-quality, leading-edge hematology and oncology care trained by providers and staff to children in Nebraska and beyond.
- Our clinics offer multidisciplinary care to address your child’s individual diagnosis and treatment plans. In addition to seeing an oncologist or hematologist, your child may be seen by experts across many specialties providing a full spectrum of care – all in one location.
- Our pediatric-focused providers, including pediatric oncologists, social workers, and child life specialists, use a multidisciplinary team approach to provide comprehensive cancer and blood disorder care.
- Our hospital is a member of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), an organization dedicated to pediatric cancer research worldwide. As a member of COG, our physicians and staff participate in the latest research and treatment protocols.
- At Children’s, treatment goes beyond medical care. Patients receive therapeutic visits from Child Life Specialists and therapy dogs, educational support from certified teachers to maintain schoolwork and immediate family members of patients traveling from over 90 miles outside of Omaha receive lodging accommodations at the Carolyn Scott Rainbow House.
“As a pediatric oncologist, I take care of kids when they’re really sick, but I also have the opportunity to follow them and their families over time. That means I get to see them when they’re doing better, too. When they’re done with therapy, I get to have that continued relationship. That’s the part of my job that makes me able to do what I do — seeing how resilient these kids are.”
— Jill Beck, M.D., Hematology/Oncology Physician, Children’s Nebraska
Conditions We Treat
Our oncology and hematology teams are prepared to diagnose, treat, and provide follow-up care for a wide range of childhood cancers and blood disorders, including:
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Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a type of cancer where the bone marrow produces too many immature white blood cells — called lymphocytes — that are unable to help the body fight off infections. -
Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Acute myeloid leukemia is a type of cancer where the bone marrow makes too many abnormal blood cells that begin to build up in the body. -
Anemia
Anemia is when the body does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin, a protein that helps red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. -
Brain Tumors
Brain tumors are when abnormal cell growth in the brain or spinal cord. Brain tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). -
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that impacts the lymph system (a part of the immune system). Patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma have a type of abnormal white blood cell — called Reed Sternberg cells — in their lymph nodes. -
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is a bleeding disorder where the body does not have enough platelets (also called a low platelet count) because the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys them. -
Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a cancerous tumor that develops in nerve tissue. This type of cancer usually begins in the adrenal glands (above the kidneys), though it can also be found in nerve tissue in the neck, chest, abdomen, or spine. -
Neurofibromatosis (NF):
Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and can lead to tumors. Because the condition can impact many parts of the body, our clinic includes a multidisciplinary team of skilled pediatric providers across many specialties. -
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer where the lymph system produces abnormal cells that lead to tumors. -
Other Conditions We Treat
- Hemophilia
- Bleeding/Clotting Disorders
- Liver Cancer (Hepatoblastoma)
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Sarcomas
Sarcomas are cancer that begins in soft tissue, such as muscles or tendons. Sarcoma tumors may develop anywhere these types of tissue cells are found, but they usually form in a person’s arms, legs, chest, or abdomen. -
Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease is a congenital (present at birth) inherited disease that causes the body to produce an abnormal kind of hemoglobin and red blood cells. These abnormal cells are not able to travel through blood vessels easily, which can lead to pain and organ damage.
Patient Spotlight
Axton
What started as a suspected case of pneumonia for little Axton Myers turned out to be his parents’ worst nightmare. The spunky 2-year-old with boundless energy, who loves puzzles, reading, and playing with his grandfather, began having trouble breathing. Read More
Nola
Nola was 3 years old when her mom, Heather, started noticing something different about her. Nola started complaining about leg pains and wasn’t interested in playing with the other kids. Instead, she would retreat to her room to play games and watch TV. Read More
Our Specialists
At Children’s, we recognize that a cancer or blood disorder diagnosis can impact more than just your child’s physical health. For instance, staying caught up in school can be a challenge — especially for children who have to stay home because their immune systems are weakened during cancer treatment. And while children tend to be very resilient in the face of serious diagnoses, taking care of their emotional health is just as important as taking care of their physical health.
In addition to the treatment team, our social workers and child life specialists are here to support our patients and their families in addressing everything from questions about insurance to how to explain a diagnosis to siblings. And our Pastoral & Spiritual Care staff are also available 24/7 to patients and families of all faiths.
Children’s Hematology/Oncology Program is led by the state’s only pediatric hematologists/ oncologists, who are nationally known experts in childhood cancer and blood disorders. They have decades of clinical experience and are involved in national and international research — including with the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), an organization dedicated to pediatric cancer research — that has led to some of the cancer treatments used around the world.
Children’s Survivorship Clinic
At Children’s Survivorship Clinic, we provide specialized follow-up care for childhood cancer and bone marrow transplant survivors. Whether it’s understanding how your child’s cancer treatment affects their future medical care or providing ongoing school support, the Children’s multidisciplinary team at the Survivorship Clinic is here to support your child and your family in the years ahead.
Patient Education: Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorder Teaching Sheets
Learn about pediatric cancer and blood disorders.
How To Support Siblings Of Children With Cancer
Learn how to support siblings of children with cancer, including how to talk about a cancer diagnosis and when to get extra support.
What To Do Next
For Patients
Schedule An Appointment
To make an appointment, contact the Children’s Nebraska Hematology/Oncology Program at 402-955-3950.
If your child requires infusion therapy services, such as blood/platelet transfusions, chemotherapy, and IV hydration, make an appointment at the Infusion Center by calling 402-955-6799. The infusion center is open 7 days a week for outpatient infusion services.
For Referring Providers
The Physicians’ Priority Line is your 24-hour link to pediatric specialists at Children’s for emergency and urgent consults, physician-to-physician consults, admissions, and transport services. Call 855-850-KIDS (5437).
Learn more about referring patients.