Fujisawa Healthcare, Inc, won a Gold Award in the patient education category for the children’s guidebook Me and My Marrow at the seventh annual National Health Information Awards.
"We are honored to win this award for Me and My Marrow," said Donald Buell, MD, medical director at Fujisawa Healthcare, Inc. "The book has helped guide many children through this difficult procedure, and we hope this recognition will encourage more members of the health-care community to use this valuable resource."
Young Inspiration
The book was inspired by 13-year-old Cristina Cuzzone of Northbrook, Illinois, who was diagnosed with leukemia at age 9 and underwent a bone marrow transplant. After recovering from the transplant, Cristina recognized the need for a book to help guide other children through the procedure—something she wished had been available for her.
Cristina shared her story with a neighbor employed by Fujisawa Healthcare, Inc, a local pharmaceutical company. She was encouraged to develop her idea and together with Fujisawa created and published the guidebook. "I’m glad I can pass on some of what I experienced to other kids undergoing the same procedure," she said. The book has been distributed to transplant centers throughout the United States and Canada.
Practical Advice
Me and My Marrow explains what a transplant is, how it is done, what treatment will feel like, and how to cope during difficult times. The book is filled with colorful illustrations and personal anecdotes as well as practical advice from other kids who have been through a bone marrow transplant.
The book is divided into three main sections: "Before Your Transplant," "During Your Transplant," and "After Your Transplant." It covers everything from getting the news to coping with physical change and resuming old friendships at school.
Interactive Website
An interactive version of Me and My Marrow is available on the Internet at www.meandmymarrow.com. The colorful website will continuously post stories and advice from pediatric patients about their experiences with bone marrow transplant. In addition, the regularly updated site will suggest videos, books, newsletters, and other websites that could be helpful to bone marrow transplant patients.
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