About Us
Certified child life specialists at Huntsman Cancer Institute help kids handle the stress and uncertainty of cancer. These experts specialize in the psychosocial and developmental needs of children ages 0鈥18. Child life specialist services are available to pediatric patients, siblings of pediatric patients, and children of adult patients.
Our Services
Child life specialists work with families and members of the patient鈥檚 health care team to provide services tailored to each patient and family. Child life specialists help in these ways:
- Help children understand medical procedures in language they can understand
- Teach kids coping strategies to reduce anxiety and fear
- Offer emotional support and distraction during the child鈥檚 medical procedures
- Offer opportunities for play and expressive activities
- Give information, advocacy, and support to families of pediatric patients
To work with a child life specialist at Huntsman Cancer Institute, talk to your child鈥檚 health care provider or contact Abbie Owens Lofgren, MS, CCLS at abbie.lofgren@hci.utah.edu or 801-213-4294.
What to Expect
Radiation therapy is one tool doctors at Huntsman Cancer Institute use to treat kids diagnosed with cancer. This video provides a brief overview for patients and their loved ones about what to expect during a radiation therapy treatment plan.
