“We want them to be successful survivors and not just survivors,” said Emily Browne, director of the Transition Program at St. Jude, when she spoke earlier this week at The Atlantic People vs. Cancer event in New York City. “Our program is unique in that we are really trying to establish those things and monitor and closely follow patients and ask all of those questions as we are moving through that so we can better prepare patients in the future. You do that by asking and listening,” she said. Browne explained that the first few years following treatment can be a difficult time for a pediatric cancer survivor. Depending on their age, a survivor will have to navigate returning to school, going to college or entering the workforce all while balancing any additional needs they may have and psychosocial elements that could play a part in their long-term recoveries. Browne learned this firsthand. She was diagnosed with leukemia at 17 years old and experienced some of those challenges in what she calls the “grey zone” between later adolescents and young adults. That experience, she noted, guides her interactions with patients as she helps them prepare for any potential challenges that lie ahead.
Emily we are fortunate to have you in our St Jude family. Thank you for being such a contribution to so many.
Executive Communications at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
1wThank you, Emily Browne for sharing your insights on the importance of survivorship care. #survivorship