March 2, 2011 – The radiation oncology clinic at VCU Massey Cancer Center is now more family-friendly with the opening of a waiting and recovery room designed for and dedicated to pediatric cancer patients and their families. Named Reese’s Room in honor of former Massey pediatric brain cancer patient Reese Klauer, the room was made possible through generous donations from the ReeseStrong Foundation and local residents, businesses and charities.
Vibrantly decorated and outfitted with kid-sized furniture, toys, coloring books and children’s movies, Reese’s Room offers pediatric cancer patients and their families a private area where they can wait for and recover from radiation treatments away from the hustle and bustle of the adult waiting room. Since radiation delivery requires patients to be perfectly still – a challenge for most children – young patients generally receive anesthesia before each treatment, which can often occur every day for several weeks. “We wanted a comfortable, friendly, relaxing place where children can recover from the anesthesia with their families,” said Reese’s mother Sherry Klauer, who spearheaded the project.
“Our focus at Massey is on discovering and providing the most advanced, effective cancer treatments, but we haven’t lost sight of the fact that the treatment process can be scary and overwhelming for children and their parents,” said Dr. Mitchell Anscher, chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Massey. “We’re very grateful to Sherry and everyone in the community who helped us to create a better experience for children and their families with the addition of this room.”
Massey works in collaboration with Children’s Hospital of Richmond to provide pediatric oncology services.
About VCU Massey Cancer Center
VCU Massey Cancer Center is one of only 66 National Cancer Institute-designated institutions in the country that leads and shapes America’s cancer research efforts. Working with all kinds of cancers, the Center conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education. Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers a wide range of clinical trials throughout Virginia, oftentimes the most trials in the state, and serves patients in Richmond and in four satellite locations. Its 1,000 researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately to cure cancer. Visit Massey online at www.massey.vcu.edu or call 877-4-MASSEY.
About Children’s Hospital of Richmond
VCU Medical Center and Children’s Hospital joined to form Children’s Hospital of Richmond (CHoR). A full-service children’s hospital, CHoR offers a robust continuum of pediatric services, research and education. CHoR enhances access to all levels of health care for children, from well-child checkups to advanced medical and surgical services to long-term care and therapy. It encompasses specialized inpatient units, including acute care, pediatric intensive care, neonatal intensive care and transitional care. Ten convenient locations throughout Central Virginia include two main campuses and several satellite outpatient and therapy centers. Visit CHoR online at www.chrichmond.org or call 804-828-CHOR.
