When your child has a serious cancer, blood disorder, immune deficiency, or genetic condition, advanced cellular therapies may provide treatment options beyond traditional approaches. Stem cell therapy and stem cell transplant can help replace unhealthy blood-forming cells, rebuild the immune system, or support recovery after intensive treatment.
Families come to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), for advanced stem cell therapies that may not be available at every pediatric center. Our internationally recognized program combines cellular therapies, donor-derived stem cell transplants, and emerging treatments with care personalized to your child’s diagnosis and needs.
How Stem Cell Transplantation, Cellular and Gene Therapy Work
Stem cells are special cells that can develop into different types of blood and immune system cells. Depending on your child’s diagnosis, stem cells may be used to replace damaged bone marrow, restore healthy blood cell production, strengthen the immune system, or help treat certain cancers and genetic disorders.
Stem cell therapy is not a single treatment. Your child’s care team will recommend an approach based on their diagnosis, treatment history, and individual needs.
Stem Cell Sources and Donor Options
Stem cells can come from several different sources, including:
- Your child’s own stem cells
- A matched family member
- A partially matched family member
- An unrelated donor
- Donated cord blood
Our specialists carefully evaluate all available donor and stem cell options to identify the approach that best supports your child’s treatment plan.
Preparing for Treatment
Before treatment begins, your child may need chemotherapy, immune-suppressing medications, or other therapies to prepare their body for stem cell therapy or transplant. Throughout the process, transplant coordinators help guide your family through each step of care and treatment planning.
Jessica Hochberg
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Locations:
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19 Bradhurst Avenue Suite 800S
Hawthorne, NY 10532
Oya Tugal
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Locations:
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19 Bradhurst Avenue Suite 800S
Hawthorne, NY 10532
Jeremy Rosenblum
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Locations:
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19 Bradhurst Avenue Suite 800S
Hawthorne, NY 10532
Mitchell Cairo
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Locations:
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19 Bradhurst Avenue Suite 800S
Hawthorne, NY 10532
Edo Schaefer
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Locations:
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19 Bradhurst Avenue Suite 800S
Hawthorne, NY 10532
Allyson Flower
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Locations:
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19 Bradhurst Avenue Suite 800S
Hawthorne, NY 10532
Andrew Bellantoni
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Locations:
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19 Bradhurst Avenue Suite 800S
Hawthorne, NY 10532
Mehmet Ozkaynak
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Locations:
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19 Bradhurst Avenue Suite 800S
Hawthorne, NY 10532
Kayleigh Klose
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Locations:
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19 Bradhurst Avenue Suite 800S
Hawthorne, NY 10532
Zoe King
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Locations:
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19 Bradhurst Avenue Suite 800S
Hawthorne, NY 10532
Suzanne Braniecki
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Locations:
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19 Bradhurst Avenue Suite 800S
Hawthorne, NY 10532
Lila Pereira
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Clinical
Locations:
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19 Bradhurst Avenue Suite 800S
Hawthorne, NY 10532
Our Team Approach to Advanced Cellular Therapy
Stem cell therapy and transplant often involve many specialists working together to support your child’s care. Depending on your child’s diagnosis and treatment plan, your care team may include pediatric transplant specialists, oncologists, hematologists, nurse practitioners, transplant coordinators, clinical pharmacists, psychologists, social workers, child life specialists, and other pediatric experts.
Additional specialists, including infectious disease physicians, neurologists, pulmonologists, cardiologists, radiologists, and pathologists, may also be involved when needed. This collaborative approach helps ensure every aspect of your child’s treatment is carefully coordinated.
We know this care requires a village. That’s why our clinical, collection, laboratory, and support teams work together to leave no stone unturned and keep your child at the center of every decision.
Why Families Choose WMCHealth for Pediatric Stem Cell Therapy
Families often seek care at WMCHealth for therapies and expertise that may not be available elsewhere. Our internationally recognized program combines advanced cellular therapies with specialized laboratory capabilities, allowing us to provide innovative treatments for children with complex cancers, blood disorders, immune deficiencies, genetic diseases, and certain life-threatening infections.
Our Cellular and Tissue Engineering Laboratory (CTEL) supports the collection, processing, and preparation of specialized cellular therapies, including gene-modified treatments and other emerging therapies.
In addition, our pediatric stem cell transplantation and pediatric cellular therapy programs are accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT), reflecting nationally recognized standards for quality and specialized care.
Our philosophy is to provide your child with the treatment they need, and no more than they need. By combining advanced laboratory resources, individualized treatment planning, and a multidisciplinary team, we work to support both your child’s immediate care and their long-term health.
In Their Own Words: Dr. Mitchell Cairo
In this video, Mitchell Cairo, MD, explains how personalized care, advanced cell processing, and a patient-first philosophy guide treatment at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.
Recognized Leadership in Pediatric Cellular Therapy
Independent organizations and national professional groups recognize WMCHealth for its expertise in pediatric stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy:
- Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy accreditation for pediatric stem cell transplantation
- Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy accreditation for pediatric cellular therapy
- National Marrow Donor Program accreditation: Access to broader donor resources
- American College of Surgeons accreditation for pediatric cancer care
- Top 50 Pediatric Cancer Program recognition from U.S. News & World Report
- Cellular and Tissue Engineering Laboratory
Our program is also a member of the Children’s Oncology Group, Pediatric Transplant and Cellular Therapy Consortium, and Pediatric Immune Deficiency Treatment Consortium, connecting our team with national research and treatment networks.
Together, all of these distinctions reflect the quality standards, specialized capabilities, and national collaboration families can expect from our program.