St. Jude ChildCare opens new facility in Hyderabad for children battling cancer

Hyderabad: St. Jude India ChildCare Centres has inaugurated a new facility in Hyderabad, expanding its mission to provide free, clean and safe accommodations for children undergoing cancer treatment.

The newly launched Axis Bank Centre aims to ensure comprehensive care for underprivileged families, offering vital services such as transportation, education, counselling and support during cancer treatment.

The centre can house 26 families, including units designed specifically for children undergoing Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT). Patients treated at hospitals like MNJ Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre, Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital, and Rainbow Children’s Hospital, among others, will benefit from this initiative.

Families at the centre primarily come from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT): A Lifesaving Procedure

BMT is a crucial treatment for certain types of cancer like leukemia and lymphoma. It involves replacing damaged bone marrow with healthy cells, often requiring a sterile environment and intensive post-procedure care.

Symptoms requiring BMT may include fatigue, frequent infections, abnormal bleeding and anaemia. St. Judes’ specialised units cater to the needs of such patients by ensuring hygienic accommodations and personalized care during their recovery.

Comprehensive Support for Families

The facilities provided by St. Judes include private rooms, shared kitchens, community spaces and learning areas. Families are given weekly provisions to cook their meals and maintain a sense of normalcy during a challenging time. These centres aim to bridge the gap between hospital care and the additional support needed to improve the child’s chances of recovery.