Pediatric Melanoma Clinic Day Brings Young Patients and Families Together
Key takeaways:
- Moffitt’s annual Pediatric Melanoma Clinic Day pairs specialized follow-up care with child-friendly activities to make cancer visits less stressful for young patients and families
- Families return each year for continued monitoring after melanoma or high-risk skin lesions were treated successfully
- Parents say the clinic’s supportive approach and focus on early detection help children feel involved in their care and more comfortable during appointments
For Bryan and Parker Bailey of Seffner, Fla., their annual trip to Moffitt Cancer Center has become a father-son tradition.
After 15-year-old Parker’s checkup, the two complete the day with a meal at Dave’s Hot Chicken and a trip to the record store.
“Our experience here has been pretty phenomenal,” Bryan said. “It’s cool to see how things have grown since we started coming here.”
The experience is a stark contrast to a decade ago when they first visited Moffitt’s Pediatric Melanoma Clinic Day, an annual event dedicated to some of Moffitt’s youngest skin cancer patients and survivors.
A Childhood Diagnosis
The primary cause of melanoma is cellular DNA damage, which often results from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or indoor tanning devices.
At 15 years old, Parker has already undergone multiple surgeries. He was not yet in kindergarten when his parents discovered a growth in his ear that later tested positive for melanoma.
With no evidence of cancer today, Parker returns to Moffitt once a year for check-ups and any follow-up care needed.
“We were at four times a year then we went down to three times a year, then two, and now we’re down to one,” Bryan said. “You can breathe a little bit better now.”
Parker says support from his Moffitt team, especially Vernon Sondak, MD, chair of Moffitt’s Cutaneous Oncology Department, has made the visits less stressful and more enjoyable.
“He’s nice. He gets things done quickly, gets straight to the point and is honest,” Parker said.
A Clinic for Younger Patients
Morris the Explorasaurus visits patients at this year's clinic.
This year’s clinic included activities, treats and a visit from Morris the Explorasaurus, the mascot of the Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Petersburg.
Crafts, paintings and food were also provided during this year’s clinic.
“We try to make our annual kids clinic fun and as stress free as possible, so they actually look forward to it rather than dread the appointment,” Sondak said.
Small Gestures, Lasting Impact
The clinic also welcomed Christina and Ramsey Jackson of Lithia, Fla. for the third year in a row.
When Ramsey was 10 years old, a dermatologist discovered a concerning lesion on Ramsey’s scalp. Christina says the testing showed the lesion had a high probability of developing into melanoma, prompting doctors to remove it.
“We were super nervous initially, of course but it couldn’t have been better,” Christina said. “They just put you at ease.”
Christina Jackson (left) poses with her son Ramsey after his check-up.
Christina says simple gestures showed the family that Ramsey’s comfort mattered. Before surgery, team members asked what kind of music he wanted to hear. After surgery, Sondak wrote a note allowing Ramsey to wear a hat at school while his scalp healed and his hair grew back.
“He allowed me to wear a hat to cover it up for multiple weeks at school,” Ramsey said.
Christina also appreciated that providers would speak directly to Ramsey and involved him in conversations about his care.
“He’s kind of been in control of his medical journey in a sense when he comes here,” she said.
Awareness for Every Age
Through her family’s experience, Christina learned the importance of early detection, especially because skin cancer is often associated with older adults rather than children, however affects people of all ages.
She says opportunities such as Pediatric Melanoma Clinic Day provide the youngest patients and their families a welcoming environment.
Both families plan to return next year for continued follow-up care. Until then, Parker and Ramsey are focused on returning to school and enjoying life as teenagers.
“It’s worth it because it’s so welcoming and stress-free when you walk through the door,” Christina said. “For younger children, it’s probably even more helpful to walk into such a comforting environment.”
