The Valerie Fund Blog

As many as two out of every three childhood cancer survivors will develop at least one late-onset complication. These situations can require an additional and specific set of responses from a patient's team of caregivers. The Valerie Fund is thrilled to introduce you to one of our newest caregivers who specializes in this group of patients. 

As medical science allows us to become more proficient at saving the lives of pediatric cancer patients, their need for survivorship support in adolescence and adulthood has grown. Approximately two out of three children experience at least one long term side effect (late effect) of treatment. These side effects may affect any organ depending on the primary cancer diagnosis and the treatment the child received. These may include damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, sexual organs, as well as cause psychosocial, emotional effects and learning difficulties. In addition, there may be difficulty in obtaining health and life insurance as well as possible discrimination in adulthood obtaining a job.