Assistance

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Neuroblastoma is a pediatric cancer in which immature nerve cells reproduce and form tumors.  These tumors can develop anywhere along the chain of sympathetic nervous system such as the neck, check, abdomen or pelvis 

Neuroblastoma is a very rare cancer with only about 650-700 new cases in the U.S. each year.  It can be difficult to diagnose and it's cause is still unknown.  The average age at diagnose is about 2 years old.

While some forms of neuroblastoma may go away without treatment, other forms are resistant to treatment.  As one of the most aggressive and difficult to cure childhood cancers, high-risk neuroblastoma is responsible for 15% of all pediatric cancer deaths.  More than half of all diagnosis are made after the disease has already spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment options vary depending on risk assignment but may include: chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, stem cell transplant and antibody therapy.  Many families travel great distances to take part in clinical trials at specialized treatment centers.  

A Neuroblastoma diagnosis present families with many difficult decisions and challenges.  The Owen Lea Foundation is dedicated to providing support to these families.  

Source: The CNCF Handbook for Parents of Children with Neuroblastoma: Children's Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation. 2008 Web. 15 Mar. 2015