For some children, a bone marrow or cord blood transplant (also called a BMT) offers the best chance for a cure of a life-threatening disease. If you are trying to decide whether a transplant is the right option or you are getting ready for your child's transplant, you have a lot to think about.
Making treatment choices
Learning about transplant can help you talk to your child's doctor and make informed choices about your child's health care.
Getting ready
Knowing what to expect can help you prepare your child, yourself and your family for the transplant process.
Planning ahead
As your child recovers from transplant, you can plan for him or her to gradually return to school and other activities. It's also important to know what to watch for and how to manage possible transplant complications.
Finding support and resources
You may feel overwhelmed by the choices and adjustments that your family will make if a transplant is the best option for your child. Just remember that you are not alone.
We are here to help you: before, during and after a bone marrow or cord blood transplant. Be The Match
® has a team dedicated to supporting patients, caregivers, family members and friends. Our patient services coordinators offer you confidential one-on-one support and financial guidance. We also offer free educational resources — DVDs, booklets, online tools and more.
Contact Be The Match Patient Services.
Contributing editors
K. Scott Baker, M.D., Director, Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Survivorship Programs, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Wash.
Nancy J. Bunin, M.D., Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa.
Eva C. Guinan, M.D., Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber/Children’s Hospital, Boston, Mass.
Mary Jo Kupst, Ph.D., Professor of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin; Director, Program in Pediatric Psychology, Milwaukee, Wis.