STAR Services
Download a Brochure about our STAR Service. Children and teens with serious health problems face many challenges in keeping normal life routines that are important to a good quality of life. School is the most important normal activity of young people. It helps young people coping with illness keep hope and feel "normal." Unfortunately, medical treatments and absences can make it very hard to continue in school in the usual manner. Teachers and fellow students may not understand why a young person is absent from class, or looks differently when he or she returns. Some young people living with a serious illness may need some extra help at school to keep up. Request ServicesAsk a member of your child’s healthcare team (doctor, nurse, or social worker) to connect you with our STAR Service or the STAR coordinator, Dr. Betty Gonzalez Morkos. We are here to help young people during and after their medical treatment is completed if academic concerns continue. We can assist all young people, from pre-school through college. STAR Services
How STAR Services Can Help“… My friends and other kids in my grade learned about my illness and stopped treating me as some weird person. Now [my friends and teachers] really try and help me whenever I have to miss school. Thanks for being there to help!” – Martin, age 14 “Providing your child’s school with the proper information on diagnosis, treatment, and what to expect is vital to creating the proper learning environment. The STAR Services gathered [and provided] all the information necessary to communicate our son’s unique situation to his teachers and classmates… They helped our son feel confidant and hopeful about his future.” – Peggy B., mother “The talk with the class was extraordinarily successful, and allayed the class’ fears so they were able to deal with their friend’s special needs appropriately. The presentation opened doors and made it ok for us to talk about the illness. Teasing has now totally stopped, and Meghan is able to be a regular member of the class once more.” – 4th grade teacher |
The STAR School/Social Transition and Re-entry Services help children and teens living with cancer and blood diseases succeed in school, both in learning and social relationships. We serve as a link between the young person, family, medical team, and school, to coordinate health and school needs. All of our staff members are well informed about the unique medical, educational, and social needs of young people with cancer and blood diseases. Our program is part of the HOPE Program in The Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases, and is run by psychologists and graduate students in psychology and education.