Chris and Christy spoke with Becca Johnson, a Child Life Specialist on the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at CHOA, where she has worked with both in-patient and out-patient care for seven years. Becca explains why a child might need a bone marrow transplant, and how she helps children and families throughout the lengthy process. She also details the entire process from pre-transplant through the transplant and beyond—a procedure that usually involves a hospital stay of 4-6 weeks and is very painful and isolating for the child. She shares creative ways they keep the child connected to important people in the child's life—like siblings, who are unable to visit. Lastly, she explains the simple process for getting on the bone marrow transplant registry, and the importance of volunteering for this critical procedure that saves lives. Visit bethematch.org for more information on becoming a bone marrow donor.
