An Outstanding Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Program

The Tomorrows Children's Institute for Cancer and Blood Disorders, part of The Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center, is an outstanding pediatric cancer and blood disorders program that combines all the elements of world-class medicine, cutting-edge research, an expert and comforting staff, and compassionate care for children and adolescents.

As a major teaching and research affiliate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School, physicians, nurses, and staff at the Tomorrows Children's Institute work hand in hand with researchers, physicians, and academic leaders whose expertise spans all areas of medicine.

The Comprehensive Diagnostic and Treatment Center for Pediatric Oncology at the Tomorrows Children's Institute has been at the forefront of the fight against childhood cancer. 

Treatment is available for all pediatric cancers, including leukemias, lymphomas (Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s), brain tumors, and solid tumors such as neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, bone tumors, and soft tissue sarcoma. 

In addition, our participation in the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), the foremost national research group dedicated to developing new treatment for children with cancer, further enables us to offer cutting-edge treatment to our patients. 

State-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment are available for children with serious blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and hemophilia through our Comprehensive Pediatric Hematology Program. A Comprehensive Sickle Cell Treatment Center is located at the Tomorrows Children's Institute. Our program for patients with bone marrow failure states, such as Fanconi anemia and aplastic anemia, attracts patients from across the United States and beyond for innovative treatment and comprehensive care. 

Our team of physicians, nurses, and professional support staff bring years of experience and expertise to your child's individual needs, giving him or her the best possible chance for recovery. 

Our staff includes:

• 8 board-certified pediatric hematologists/oncologists
• Two pediatric stem cell transplant physicians
• One pediatric neuro-oncologist
• Two child psychologists
• 10 advanced practice nurses
• One case manager
• Seven social workers
• Seven creative art therapists/child life specialists
• Two learning consultants

In the outpatient setting, the advanced practice nurses coordinate all patient-related services. In conjunction with the physicians, they review the therapeutic protocols and determine the daily investigations and treatments. These nurses ensure a smooth flow of treatments and serve as a resource for families and staff by providing support, education, and consultation. At the conclusion of each day, they convene a multidisciplinary conference to discuss each patient's status, psychosocial issues, laboratory results, and treatment plan.  For inpatients, the advanced practice nurses provide a link between the patient and the nursing staff on the unit.

Advanced practice nurses also coordinate home care services and hospice care, and they make school visits to ease transition of patients from the hospital to the classroom and community.

The outpatient programs of the Tomorrows Children's Institute are located in the DON IMUS-WFAN Pediatric Center for Tomorrows Children at Hackensack University Medical Center, which provides a comfortable atmosphere for patients and their families.

Our facility includes: An infusion room for outpatient chemotherapy and transfusion therapy Six examination rooms A procedure room for anesthesia and conscious sedation A recovery room A clinical laboratory and blood-drawing room A playroom for school-age children An adolescent lounge A schoolroom and patient library Age-specific group therapy rooms

The Research Program

In May 2001 the David Joseph Jurist Research Center for Tomorrows Children's Institute opened on the campus of Hackensack University Medical Center. 

This building houses the basic research of the Hackensack University Medical Center and the Tomorrows Children's Institute. 

In September 2001 the Pediatric Genetic and Cancer Research Laboratory was inaugurated to study the molecular biological aspects of pediatric cancer. The clinical research programs continue to expand through our participation of the COG as well as the pediatric stem cell transplant program. Click here for details on our research program. 

Hackensack University Medical Center

Hackensack University Medical Center is designated by the State of New Jersey as a children's hospital. The Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center is also one of a select group designated a full institutional member of the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutes. This designation honors the contributions of a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, other healthcare professionals and volunteers who have made the medical center a special place for children and their families. More significantly, designation builds on that commitment of care for children that the medical center has always provided. In 2001 and 2003, this commitment was rewarded when The Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center was selected as one of the top 25 children's hospitals in the country and the top-ranked children's hospital in New Jersey by "Child" magazine.

Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) is a major teaching affiliate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry - New Jersey Medical School (UMDNJ). UMDNJ is the largest freestanding health sciences university in the United States. HUMC is a delegate institution of the Association of Community Cancer Centers, is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and is licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. The American College of Surgeons accredits the Medical Center’s cancer program.

Tomorrows Children's Fund

Tomorrows Children's Fund is a non-profit organization that was developed by parents of children with cancer and blood disorders. 

The Tomorrows Children’s Fund addresses the critical needs of families facing the anguish of this disease by working with the medical staff of the Tomorrows Children’s Institute to provide:

State-of-the-art medical care A warm, healthy, and loving atmosphere for children during their inpatient and outpatient treatment A wide range of services to relieve emotional and financial stress Funding for research on childhood cancer and serious blood disorders
Tomorrows Children's Fund is unique because it is governed by an Executive Board of Directors that is comprised only of parents.  They have "been there", and they know from firsthand experience and direct involvement how to help children and families at a difficult time in their lives. Please visit the Tomorrows Children’s Fund website at www.atcfkid.com to learn more or to make a contribution.

 
Virtual High School

The Tomorrows Children’s Institute at Hackensack University Medical Center is a participant in Virtual High School. Click on the logo to the right for more information.

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For more information, please contact us at

tel: (201) 996-5437 / fax: (201) 487-7340 / email: info@tcikids.com

The Tomorrows Children's Institute
DON IMUS - WFAN Pediatric Center for Tomorrows Children
The Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital
Hackensack University Medical Center
30 Prospect Avenue
Hackensack, NJ  07601