Advancing Genomic Testing Capabilities
Precision medicine is highly personalized medical care. Through genomic testing, Children’ s Colorado doctors study a child’ s DNA to make diagnoses, develop individualized treatment plans, which often have fewer side effects, and tailor cures specifically designed for each patient. The benefits of genomic testing extend far beyond one child and can transform countless lives through the discoveries that result.
Zariea, 16, Children’ s Colorado Patient Ambassador from Colorado Springs
Investing in the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders( CCBD) at Children’ s Colorado is an international destination for world-class multidisciplinary care and cutting-edge research for pediatric cancer. In Colorado Springs, patients can receive cancer and blood disorder consultations, care and medication infusions.
With hundreds of clinical trials underway, we are on the brink of major discoveries that have the power to transform the future for children fighting cancer and blood disorders here and around the globe. But the current reality is that cancer continues to steal far too many childhoods. It’ s a relentless disease that doesn’ t take a break. In fact, cancer remains the No. 1 cause of death by disease in American children.
We envision a future in which chemotherapy is largely a thing of past, so our patients can be cured with minimal disruption to their childhood.
Read Daniel ' s story on pg. 14 to learn how cancer care closer to home can positively impact a patient ' s quality of life.
Thanks to a generous gift of $ 1 million by the John and Margot Lane Foundation, Children’ s Colorado has expanded access to genetic testing and precision medicine capabilities in southern Colorado. Since the infusion of this critical funding in January 2023, Children’ s Colorado has processed 450 genetic tests for southern Colorado patients— a 40 % increase in genetic testing in the region.
Additional genetic testing will have a beneficial ripple effect for patients across the system of care, including reduced costs, better analysis of the data collected and more diagnoses.
Addressing the Pediatric Mental Health Crisis
In recent years, Children’ s Colorado has expanded our behavioral health service footprint throughout Colorado Springs to meet growing demand with the creation of an outpatient clinic and specially designed pediatric emergency beds in the hospital’ s Emergency Department.
Since opening in September 2022, the Therapy Care Clinic at Telstar has made a significant impact on children and families in the region facing mental health challenges. Thanks to generous philanthropic support, the pediatric mental health team in southern Colorado has expanded from four team members to more than 20, greatly enhancing access to vital care for children in need.
In 2024, more than 7,300 outpatient visits occurred at Telstar and more than 250 children were treated through our Partial Hospitalization Program.
Making“ Here, It’ s Different”
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