Latest News from the Shaham Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute

Advanced, Personalized Care for Children with Thyroid Cancer

February 19, 2024 – Although a rare type of pediatric cancer, thyroid cancer in children is on the rise. The multidisciplinary team in the thyroid cancer program at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is dedicated to providing advanced, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment options while offering families support every step of the way.

Nicklaus Children's Cancer Warrior Performs National Anthem Ahead of Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew in Honor of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month

September 15, 2022 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is proud to have partnered with Inter Miami CF in support of the MLS’s Kick Childhood Cancer initiative during the Inter Miami CF vs Columbus Crew match. Despite a temporary game suspension due to lightning in the area, that didn’t stop 16-year-old Nicklaus Children’s patient Alexandra Herrera, and the Lourdes Singers from Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, from putting on a heartfelt performance of our national anthem minutes before kick-off.

Dr. Khatib to receive Excellence Clinical Teaching Award

April 12, 2021 – We are happy to share that Dr. Ziad Khatib, Director of the Neuro Oncology Program at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital has been selected to receive an Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award in Pediatrics from the Florida International University - Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.

National Cancer Survivor's Day 2019

June 03, 2019 – Patients from the Nicklaus Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center reunited with their doctors and nurses for a day of family fun to celebrate life on National Cancer Survivors Day.

Friends Through the Fight: 2 South Florida girls fighting same form of rare bone cancer become friends

May 20, 2019 – Two South Florida girls were diagnosed with the same rare form of bone cancer. They didn’t know each other when they started treatment but became friends through the fight. 7’s Alex de Armas shares their story.

Young cancer survivors gather for a night of games

February 27, 2019

More than two dozen pediatric cancer survivors joined us for a night of fun and games at our Adolescent and Young Adult game event held on February 22. Thank you to all who joined us for this inagural event!

To learn more and receive information about upcoming events email cancerfree@nicklaushealth.org.


Nicklaus Children's Hospital doctors cure children with rare blood disorder

October 18, 2018 – Doctors in South Florida are performing a life-saving procedure for children born with a rare genetic condition: thalassemia.

Siblings of Cancer Patients enjoy a Fun Filled Day

July 06, 2018 – More than two dozen children attended the Bear Hug camp at Nicklaus Children's last week. This day camp is for siblings of pediatric cancer patients to encourage socialization among peers and help them gain insight on their siblings' care journey. 

Neuro Oncology Holiday Party 2017

December 15, 2017 – Children being treated by the Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Neuro Oncology Program at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and their families took part in a holiday celebration.

Miami SuperHeroes Unite!

April 25, 2017 – The Cancer & Blood Disorders Center Team came together at the Miami SuperHeroes Unite! Walk hosted by CureSearch.

The Children's Bereavement Center Steps for Healing 5K

November 25, 2016 – Team Nicklaus Children's Hospital raised $2,775 for the Children's Bereavement Center Steps for Healing 5K which took place on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at Zoo Miami.

Cancer Center's Mini Relay for Life

November 11, 2016 – Nicklaus Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center hosts mini Relay for Life event to honor all those touched by cancer. Thank you to all the patients and families who joined us this evening.

Sickle Cell Family Reunion 2016

September 20, 2016 – Patients treated by the Sickle Cell Comprehensive Center at Nicklaus Children’s reunited with hospital care team for a day of fun at Action Town Florida, an indoor entertainment facility with many attractions for kids of all ages. 

Cancer Survivor's Day 2016

June 05, 2016 – In honor of Cancer Survivor's Day, Nicklaus Children's Hospital's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center provided our patients and families a day of fun at Zoo Miami.

Skin Cancer Screening

May 31, 2016 – May was Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. The department of Dermatology at Nicklaus children's Hospital provided a free skin cancer screening to the community (adults and children) on May 25, 2015.

Cancer Center's Holiday Party 2015

December 15, 2015 – Children being treated by the Cancer Center at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and their families took part in a holiday celebration.

National Cancer Survivors Day 2015

June 05, 2015 – Patients and their families spent a fun-filled day at the Miami Seaquarium yesterday in celebration of National Cancer Survivors Day! The event was sponsored by Nicklaus Children's Hospital and the Live Like Bella Foundation.

Families Celebrate Life at Second Annual Sickle Cell Family Reunion

September 24, 2014 – Patients treated at Miami Children’s Hospital’s (MCH) Sickle Cell Comprehensive Care Center came together for a day of fun at Zoo Miami on Saturday, September 6th.


Most Recent Press Release

Nicklaus Children's Hospital’s Helen & Jacob Shaham Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute Awarded FACT Accreditation

September 16, 2024

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital has once again received internationally recognized accreditation by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT). FACT is an accrediting body for hospitals and medical institutions offering stem cell transplants and indicates the accredited institution has met the most rigorous standards in every aspect of stem cell therapy.


Groundbreaking Cancer Treatment Collaboration Between Nicklaus Children's Hospital, FIU Saves Lives

April 11, 2024 – When eight-year-old Logan learned his cancer had returned it was not the news he or his family had hoped to hear. Thanks to a clinical trial collaboration between the Helen & Jacob Shaham Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and Florida International University (FIU), Logan was given a new lease on life.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital to Study the Use of Low-Frequency Focused Ultrasound Therapy to Treat Children with Aggressive Brain Tumors

November 20, 2023 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is to become only the third site in North America involved in a Phase I clinical trial studying the role of a new technology called low-frequency focused ultrasound (LoFU) in the care of children with a lethal type of brain tumor that forms within the brainstem.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital Announces Historic Gift from Citadel Founder and CEO Kenneth C. Griffin

January 31, 2023 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital received a $25 million gift from Citadel founder and CEO Kenneth C. Griffin will support the new five-story, 127,000-square-foot surgical tower opening in 2024. In recognition of this historic gift, it will be named the Kenneth C. Griffin Surgical Tower. The donation will enhance pediatric care for children in Florida and beyond for generations to come.

Nicklaus Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute Receives Renewed Accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer

July 21, 2022 – Nicklaus Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute has received a full three-year accreditation from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer, renewing accreditation status held consecutively by the hospital since 2006. Nicklaus Children’s is the only pediatric hospital in Florida to hold this accreditation.

Dr. Enrique A. Escalon Retires After 50 Years of Leadership in Caring for Children With Cancer at Nicklaus Children’s

April 06, 2022 – After more than 50 years of providing leading-edge care for children with cancer in South Florida and beyond, Dr. Enrique A. Escalon, esteemed pediatric hematologist-oncologist, has announced his retirement.

New Leading-Edge Treatment for Leukemia Now Offered at Nicklaus Children's Hospital

June 10, 2021 – Nicklaus Children's Hospital is one of the only hospitals in Florida, and the first pediatric hospital in South Florida, to offer the latest immune cell treatment for children and adolescents with certain types of leukemia. The Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute at Nicklaus Children's Hospital is authorized to deliver the FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapy to the pediatric population. 

Miami Dolphins Make $1 Million Commitment to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation

September 15, 2020 – The Miami Dolphins announced a $1 million commitment to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation to help combat systematic health issues and address disparities in the African American and minority community around diabetes, sickle cell disease (SCD) and COVID-19. The four-year relationship will provide jobs, access to services, programmatic benefits and research designed to improve mental and physical health.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital Receives Jean Byers Award for Excellence in Cancer Registration

August 21, 2020 – The Nicklaus Children's Hospital Cancer and Blood Disorders Center has been recognized by the Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS) with the Jean Byers Award for Excellence in Cancer Registration for 2019. The FCDS recognizes facilities that have met or exceeded the national quality standards for timeliness and completeness in cancer reporting.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Awarded Fact Accreditation

June 22, 2020 – The Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital has once again received internationally recognized accreditation for hematopoietic cellular therapy by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapies (FACT).

Nicklaus Children's Hospital Bone Marrow Transplant Program Again Awarded FACT Accreditation

September 21, 2017 – FACT is an internationally-recognized accrediting body for hospitals and medical institutions offering stem cell transplant, and indicates the accredited institution has met the most rigorous standards in every aspect of stem cell therapy.

A Second Chance for Patients in Need of a Bone Marrow Transplant

June 08, 2017 – The Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Cancer Center has successfully transplanted bone marrow from a mother who is only a half match donor to her young daughter utilizing a technique that requires specialized doses of chemotherapy prior to and after the transplant. Nicklaus Children’s is one of the few pediatric programs to offer the technique.

Nicklaus Children's Moves Patients into its New Advanced Pediatric Care Pavilion

October 26, 2016 – The Advanced Pediatric Care Pavilion, a six-story, state-of-the-art bed tower now houses the hospital's three intensive care units, the neurology-neurosurgery unit and a cardiac intensive care unit, among other enhancements.

Miami Children's Hospital Recognized for Quality in Bone Marrow Transplant Care

November 14, 2014 – Florida Blue has recognized Miami Children’s Hospital with a Blue Distinction Center® designation for delivering high quality bone marrow transplant care as part of the Blue Distinction Centers for Specialty Care® program.

Miami Children’s Hospital’s Bone Marrow Transplant Program Once-Again Awarded FACT Accreditation

August 07, 2014 – FACT is an internationally-recognized accrediting body for hospitals and medical institutions offering stem cell transplant, and indicates the accredited institution has met the most rigorous standards in every aspect of stem cell therapy.

Child with Bone Cancer Receives Generous Holiday Gift

December 20, 2012 – 7-year-old Broward girl received a wonderful Christmas gift, amidst adversity.

Regional Medical First Gives Fresh Hope to Family of Eight-Year-Old Girl with Recurrent Cancer

October 11, 2011 – The girl has been in the care of Miami Children’s since 2006 and has undergone a series of treatments for a recurrent form of cancer in her abdomen called rhabdomyosarcoma.

Cancer Patients from Miami Children's Hospital Celebrate the Holidays at Annual Celebration

December 23, 2008 – Cancer patients from Miami Children’s Hospital and their families celebrated the holiday season at the Cancer Center’s Annual Holiday Party.

Miami Children's Hospital Cancer Center Receives Approved Cancer Program Recognition

November 09, 2006 – The Miami Children’s Hospital Cancer Center has been awarded approved cancer program status after an in-depth survey by the American College of Surgeons, Commission on Cancer.

Miami Children's Hospital Cancer Center Gets A Boost From Commissioner Carlos A. Gimenez

August 16, 2006 – Commissioner Carlos A. Gimenez presents a $15,000 check to young patients and members of the Miami Children’s Hospital Cancer Center medical team. Commissioner Gimenez’s donation will help to further research studies in finding a cure for pediatric cancer.

Enrique Escalon, MD Appointed Cancer Liaison Physician for Miami Children's Hospital Cancer Center

March 30, 2004 – Enrique Escalon, MD, Director of the Miami Children's Hospital Cancer Center, has been appointed to a three-year term as Cancer Liaison Physician in affiliation with the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons.