Quality, Compassionate Cancer Care
Our Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute provides quality, compassionate care to children with cancer, sickle cell disease and other serious blood disorders. We offer:
- Comprehensive Psychological Programs
- Research and clinical trials that allow our children access to the latest therapies and technologies
- Full accreditation through the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons
- A dedicated unit of 24 private rooms in a home-like setting
- Specially trained multi-disciplinary care team that is available for patients from the day of admission, to their time in the hospital and through follow-up treatment in the outpatient setting
- Teen & Young Adult Program to help adolescents cope with the unique challenges of being a teen or young adult with cancer or serious blood disorder
- Care for long-term cancer survivors at our outpatient clinic through the Survivors’ Treatment Assessment and Resource (S.T.A.R.) Program that focuses on their overall wellness and monitors them for any potential late-effects of treatments throughout their life
In 1976, 16-year-old Jonathan Jaques inspired the creation of the institute by giving his life savings, $1,000, to his parents and asking them to help future children with cancer.
Although Jonathan lost his battle with cancer, his legacy lives on through the institute that was dedicated in his name in 1983.
Jonathan Jaques taught the world about giving and sharing during his brief lifetime. His legacy endures as children and their families continue to receive innovative treatment, compassionate care and support at the institute that proudly bears the name of this young visionary — Jonathan Jaques Children's Cancer Institute.
The Jaques Family are still active supporters and have watched the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute grow into a leading institute for pediatric oncology and hematology care for Long Beach, South Bay and surrounding communities. More than 800 children a year with cancer and blood disorders are treated in the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute.
Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute continues to be a leader in the areas of research and treatment of leukemia, solid tumors and serious blood disorders.
In Memory of our Founding Medical Director
The late Jerry Z. Finklestein, M.D., served as the founding medical director of Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute, where he dedicated his career to treating patients affected by childhood cancer. Dr. Finklestein was recognized as an esteemed physician, prestigious researcher and respected colleague and mentor. He had a profound impact in the field of childhood cancer and treated patients from 1973 to his retirement in 2015.
Dr. Finklestein was passionate about the concept of Tikkun Olam, Hebrew for “world repair.” He made it his mission to improve the world around him by curing disease and alleviating the suffering of those in pain. He is fondly remembered for his countless, everyday acts of kindness and will forever continue to be a source of inspiration and guidance for all of those whose lives he touched.
We don’t stop caring for patients with cancer and their families once their treatment is completed. Its survivorship program supports their unique needs so they can thrive in school, at work and at play. We are proud to have an 80 percent cancer cure success rate, but our care doesn’t stop there.
Childhood cancer survivors are at risk for a variety of health problems due to the intense life-saving treatment they received. We know that about two-thirds of survivors will experience a late-effect, a chronic health problem that is a direct result of their cancer therapy.
Cancer treatment saves lives, by it also increases the risk of heart and respiratory disease, depression, severe dental problems, a secondary cancer and infertility.
We schedule yearly checkups with children to make sure that their primary cancer does not return and to also examine them for any other health issues. Our children and families see their oncologist, nurse practitioner, physical therapist, psychologist, nutritionist, pediatric dentist and social worker. These specialists work as a team to test, assess, educate and provide support to children and families.
Survivors’ Treatment Assessment and Resource (S.T.A.R.) Program
About 700 childhood cancer survivors are admitted to the Survivors’ Treatment Assessment and Resource (S.T.A.R.) Program each year. Our S.T.A.R. Program helps patients, who are no longer undergoing treatment, understand and manage the late effects of cancer therapy following surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Patients receive assessments of any late affects they may have and are directed to services, treatment and community resources.
Patients who did not receive treatment at Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute also can be referred to the S.T.A.R. Program by physicians, school nurses, health care professionals and other health-related community agencies.
We are heavily involved in research programs involving blood disorders, cancers, psychosocial issues and long-term survival. The Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute partners with many local hospitals such as UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Rady Children’s and national consortiums, such as Children’s Oncology Group (COG) and the Hemostasis & Thrombosis Research Society (HTRS).
Clinical Research
Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute is one of the primary institutions that comprise the COG, an international, cooperative childhood cancer research network that focuses on identifying cancer causes and pioneering new treatments and cures at children’s hospitals. With COG, Miller Children’s & Women’s enrolls patients on Phase II and III clinical trials. Participation in COG advances research and allows Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute to offer the latest and most effective treatments to young patients. Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute manages most of the leukemia, brain tumors and bone tumor studies.
The Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute also is one of only a select group of children’s hospitals designated a Hemophilia Treatment Centers (HTC) and qualifies to participate in the national hemophilia registry, through the HTRS.
- Learn more about Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute’s clinical research
- Find a clinical trial
Behavioral Science and Psychosocial Research
Our research program is designed to increase the understanding of the needs of young people with cancer, sickle cell disease and other blood disorders through behavioral science research and psychosocial research.
At the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute, family-centered care means taking care of our patients and their, parents and family members through a wide array of support groups and services.
Psychosocial Programs
In support of our patients and families cope with a cancer or serious blood disorder diagnosis and treatment, we offer a wide range of psychosocial care.
Cancer and Blood Disorder Support Groups
We offer a variety of support groups to help patients, siblings and families from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. The following is a list of available support groups.
- Parents Helping Parents Support Group
Second Tuesday of every month, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Support group for parents of children with cancer. Held in Miller Children’s & Women’s Pavilion, Hematology/Oncology Playroom, 3rd Floor. Call Linda Muro-Garcia, L.C.S.W., at (562) 933-8600 for information. - S.H.A.R.E. (Support of Hemophilia, Activities, Resource and Education)
Third Tuesday of even months, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
A support and education group for pre-teens and adolescents with bleeding disorders. A variety of activities are incorporated to promote education, positive coping skills, peer and family support, healthy living, and management of their chronic medical condition. To confirm dates, location and times, call (562) 933-8600. - S.O.S. (Support Our Siblings)
Fourth Monday of every month, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
A support group for children ages 8 to 15 whose sibling is receiving treatment at the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute. To confirm dates, location and times, call (562) 933-8600. - Sickle Cell Support Group
For children and young adults with sickle cell. To confirm dates, location and times, call (562) 933-8600. - L.O.T.U.S. (Loving Our Truly Unique Selves)
First Thursday of every month, 4 – 5 p.m.
A teen support group exclusively for hematology/oncology patients ages 14 and older treated at the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute. Through monthly meetings, special outings, and creative activities, teens are given the opportunity to connect with others going through treatment, explore their own journey and have fun in a supportive place. Held in the Miller Children’s & Women’s Pavilion, Hematology/Oncology Playroom, 3rdFloor. Dates are subject to change, please call in advance to confirm at (562) 933-8600. - W.A.V.E.S. (We Are Very Extraordinary Superstars)
Second Thursday of every month, 4 – 5 p.m.
A support group exclusively for Hematology/Oncology patients ages 7 to 13 treated at Miller Children’s & Women’s. Through monthly meetings, special events and creative activities, kids are given the opportunity to connect with others going through treatment, explore their own journey and have fun in a supportive place. Held in the Miller Children’s & Women’s Pavilion, Hematology/Oncology Playroom, 3rdFloor. Dates are subject to change, please call in advance to confirm at (562) 933-8600. - En Español
Grupo de Apoyo en español para padres con hijos con cancer
Pabellón de Miller Children’s & Women’s en la sala de juegos do la unidad de Hematología/Oncología tercer piso. Un grupo de apoyo en español para padres con niños con cancer. Para obtener más información comuníques con Linda-Muro-García L.C.S.W. al Teléfono (562) 933-8600.
Patient and Family Education Library
A comprehensive database of educational printer friendly information.
Patient and Family Advisory Council
A group composed of family members of patients and hospital staff that provides feedback and guidance to Miller Children’s & Women’s staff.
Child Life Program
A variety of services to help patients and families cope with the hospital experience.
Advancing Care through Research
The Miller Children's & Women's research team seeks to produce more meaningful, applicable discoveries that directly improve the health of women and children across our region, both in real time and for future patients.
Centers & Programs
We have a specialized Bone & Soft Tissue Tumor Program dedicated to the diagnosis, removal and treatment of benign and malignant bone tumors and soft tissue sarcomas throughout the body.
There are many types of blood disorders, which can involve problems with bone marrow, blood vessels, lymph nodes, platelet, proteins red blood cells or white blood cells, involved in bleeding and/or clotting. Patients and families receive care from experienced hematologists that treat a wide range of serious blood disorders.
Psychosocial support programs ensure patients and families learn to cope with physical and emotional aspects of childhood cancer and serious blood disorders.
Understanding that adolescents and young adults need unique care is a cornerstone of our Teen & Young Adult Program.
We don’t stop caring for patients with cancer and their families once their treatment is completed. Its survivorship program supports their unique needs so they can thrive in school, at work and at...
The Stroke Program provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for children and infants who suffer from strokes and employ preventative measures for children who are at risk for stroke. Newborns, especially full-term infants, are susceptible to stroke. Also children with sickle cell anemia, congenital heart disease, congenital heart defects, immune disorders or problems with blood clotting are at a high risk of stroke.
We partner with the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center to deliver state-of-the-art radiation treatment to children and adolescents with cancer. A radiation oncologist and a radiation oncology pediatric team—that has completed special training in pediatric oncology and radiation oncology—focus on delivering radiotherapy to young children and adolescents.
Your Care Team
We provide cancer and serious blood disorder care that treats the entire individual and is specifically designed with kids, teens and young adults in mind. We formed a strategic affiliation with UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital to bring together our academic, clinical and research expertise, and resources to enhance children’s health care services in Southern California.
Our Doctors
Other Team Members
- Art Therapist
- Child Life Specialists
- Clinical Research Coordinators
- Dentists
- Dietitians
- Educator
- Nurse Practitioners
- Pharmacists
- Physical Therapists
- Psychologists
- Social Workers
- Specialty Nurses
- Palliative Care
Locations
Main Location (Inpatient Unit)
The hematology/oncology inpatient unit is located on the 3rd Floor of Miller Children’s & Women’s Pavilion and includes a dedicated unit of 24 private rooms in a home-like setting.
- Free, open Wi-Fi hotspot that provides access to the internet and a learning station for families
- Bathtubs and showers in each room for patients and parents to use
- Frequent or severe nosebleeds
- Dedicated children's playroom staffed by child life specialists
- Family pantry with refrigerator, ice machine and snacks
- Private, in-room amenities, including:
- Filtered air to prevent certain airborne infections
- Sleeping accommodations for parents
- Televisions with VCR, CD and DVD capabilities
Other Locations
Awards & Recognition
Long Beach Memorial and Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach have achieved Magnet® recognition as a reflection of its nursing professionalism, teamwork and superiority in patient care. Magnet recognition is determined by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®, which ensures that rigorous standards for nursing excellence are met. With this credential, Long Beach Memorial and Miller Children’s join the Magnet community — a select group of 395 health care organizations out of nearly 6,000 U.S. healthcare organizations internationally.
Success Stories
