Some of her patients with brain tumors, sarcomas, and lymphomas are being treated with proton beam therapy which minimizes the exposure of non-cancerous cells to radiation. Presently, Loma Linda pediatric oncologists are following 900 cancer patients, with 25 to 30 in the hospital at any one time. It's a tradition that's been around for as long as some of the nurses can remember. But each year it brings a fresh sense of novelty and fun, says Marian Wells, RN, a pediatric nephrology nurse who is the driving force behind the festivities. There are gift exchanges, food, and even a nephrologist who dons Santa Claus garb.
Children can receive kidney transplants at almost any age.
After they get a transplant, they continue to come for check-ups by the hospital's pediatric nephrologist or kidney specialist. They have to get their kidneys checked periodically. It's a relationship that lasts a lifetime. The Christmas party gives children with kidney problems a chance to meet other kids just like them. It gives their parents the chance to meet other parents.