Keeping Kids Connected During Chemo

A program at Lombardi helps pediatric patients stay up-to-date with school

Six year-old Becky Wilson has missed many days and weeks of school in the past year since she was diagnosed with leukemia. But with a donation from the National Capital Area Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), Becky was able to join her class right from the hospital.

Becky’s leukemia is in remission, but her blood counts are low she is unable attend school and be with her friends at this time. On February 12, 2009 Becky spoke with her first grade class for the first time in three weeks via webcams and a laptop donated to The Children’s Cancer Foundation Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“When some of our children are newly diagnosed with leukemia they need to be out of school for one to three years because they are immune compromised from their chemotherapy,” explained Georgetown's Chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aziza Shad, MD. “Having this technology available is really a turning point for children with cancer and other serious illnesses.”

Becky's classmates talked about recent assignments including learning about ancient China and how the Great Wall was built. Becky diligently followed along, and even took a few notes. Her classmates also read out some of the Valentines they had made for her, and sent their best wishes for her recovery.

Becky encouraged her friends to  join in on the video conference. “Come on sissy, don't be shy!” she said to her younger sister, Rachel, who joined the class for the occasion.

The National Capital Area Leukemia and Lymphoma Society donated six laptops with built-in webcams for the children at Lombardi and six webcams for parents to take to their child’s school for classroom setup. The gift was made possible by the Society's donors including Tammy Darvish, Todd Heavner, Bobby Mitchell and others involved with the 2008 Bobby Mitchell TOYOTA Hall of Fame Golf Classic.

“The National Capital Area Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is thrilled to be donating webcams to the children at Georgetown’s Lombardi Cancer Center," said Donna McKelvey, Executive Director of the local LLS chapter. 

The new webcam program, which uses the online video chat client Skype, allows patients like Becky to have a presence in their classroom and to keep in contact with their teachers, their classes, and their friends. Becky’s mom, Lisa Wilson, is thrilled that her daughter can stay connected with her teachers and friends.

“I know Becky and the other children really enjoyed connecting like this,” she said. “This way they can maintain contact, and hopefully maintain the friendships Becky will really need when she goes back to school.”

After Becky finished talking with her class and the video was turned off, she was still excited. “I felt like I was there,” she said.

Watch a video of Becky's first conversation with her class (courtesy WTOP).

by Allison Whitney
(Published February 2009)