For more than 40 years, our pediatric hematology oncology team has cared for children, teens and young adults across central Illinois and beyond. Your child will have access to the latest evidence-based treatments and clinical advances through our involvement with the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), the world’s largest network dedicated to childhood and adolescent cancer research.

We also provide comprehensive services for a wide variety of common and uncommon blood disorders, including iron deficiency anemia, neutropenia (low levels of infection-fighting blood cells), thalassemia and sickle cell trait and disease.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your child’s first visit is designed to help your family feel safe, supported and understood. Every visit is a little different, depending on why your child was referred, but most appointments follow a similar path.

Before Your Visit

Most patients come to us through a referral, often from a primary care provider or another specialist. In some cases, your child may be referred while already receiving care at OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois.

Before your appointment, our care team will review the referral to understand your child’s needs. We may request medical records, test results or imaging from other providers. You’ll receive guidance if anything needs to be completed or sent in advance.

During Your First Appointment

At your visit, you’ll meet with a pediatric hematologist or pediatric oncologist who will take time to listen, review your child’s medical history and answer your questions.

During the appointment, the care team may:

• Talk with you and your child about symptoms, concerns and health history
• Review any existing test results or records
• Recommend additional testing or work-up, if needed
• Determine whether ongoing care or follow-up visits are recommended

Some visits may include meeting with more than one member of the care team, depending on your child’s needs.

Meet Your Care Team

Your child will be cared for by one of the most experienced and dedicated pediatric hematology/oncology teams in Illinois, outside of Chicago. This team includes nationally certified pediatric oncologists, pediatric hematologists, advanced practice providers and oncology nurses who focus exclusively on children with cancer and blood disorders.

In addition to an advanced clinical team, your family will be supported by child life specialists, social workers, research nurses, exercise physiologists, dietitians, behavioral health specialists, registered nurse case managers, community health workers and education specialists who work together to provide coordinated care for your child. Our team also collaborates closely with other pediatric specialists across OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois to ensure your child receives the right care at the right time.

Our care is strengthened by a long-standing partnership with the University of Illinois College of Medicine – Peoria, ensuring the most highly trained providers are guiding your child’s cancer and blood disorder care.

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