DanceBlue Community Cuts Ribbon to Open New Pediatric Cancer Clinic at Kentucky Children’s Hospital

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 6, 2017) – With a sailboat full of toys, murals of blue skies over the sea and a lighthouse illuminated with all colors of the rainbow, the new $1.6 million DanceBlue Kentucky Children's Hospital (KCH) Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic transports families to a beachside getaway.

The expanded beach-themed clinic, supported by funds raised through the UK DanceBlue organization and dance marathon, is designed to enhance resources, privacy and care for pediatric patients and families battling cancer. The student-run organization raised more than $1.3 million to upgrade the clinic, with additional support from donors inspired by the DanceBlue movement.

On Monday, UK President Eli Capilouto, joined by DanceBlue student-volunteers, KCH staff, and UK patients and their families, celebrated the grand opening of the clinic during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Capilouto commended the efforts of DanceBlue students, donors and organizers who pledged to upgrade the facility for Kentucky’s youngest cancer patients.

"With the dedication of the DanceBlue Kentucky Children's Hospital Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic we acknowledge the transformational power of 'we' and the enduring dedication of UK students to build a better world," Capilouto said. "The new clinic better positions the faculty, staff and clinicians responsible for caring for the strongest among us — the kids for whom nearly 1,000 UK students will stand and dance in a couple weeks. Our students provide the constant reminder that, together, we will fight 'For the Kids' until the battle is won." 

Relocated to Kentucky Children’s Hospital, the new clinic boasts more than 6,000 square feet, doubling the space of the former outpatient clinic located at the UK HealthCare Kentucky Clinic. The waiting room features an interactive lighthouse, with a touchpad that allows children to choose the color of the light, as well as 300-gallon fish aquarium. The clinic is furnished with spacious exam rooms, four private infusion rooms for chemotherapy and three semi-private infusion rooms designated for specific age groups.

The clinic’s beach theme complements the Ocean Pod, where DanceBlue patients stay during inpatient treatment. Consistent with the theme, DanceBlue volunteers and clinic staff can leave encouraging messages for patients in a wall compartment resembling a “message in a bottle.” The waiting room also includes three computer stations where patients can check-in for appointments. The new clinic houses a separate phlebotomy and port access station, as well as an exclusive pharmacy and child life coordinator.

“Our new DanceBlue Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic has been transformational for cancer care at Kentucky Children’s Hospital," said Dr. Lars Wagner, chief of pediatric hematology and oncology. "Our patients and their families now have a warm and spacious clinic with private and semi-private infusion rooms. My staff and I are so grateful to DanceBlue.”

Nine-year-old patient Ryan Cremeens has received cancer treatment at the DanceBlue Clinic since June 2016. The Creemens family recently transitioned from the old clinic to the new facilty. While they appreciate the new clinic features, Eric Creemens, Ryan’s dad, believes it’s the people at the clinic —the doctors, nurses and staff —who make his son's experience meaningful.

"It obviously takes a special person to do the jobs they do at the clinic," Eric Cremeens said. "We are more than blessed to have Dr. Wagner during our visits. He has been a calming, steady voice throughout the entire treatment process. The nurses and staff are also incredible. By the second visit everyone knew Ryan's name and recognized his face, and it has made the whole process much better."

Wagner has not only impacted Eric Cremeens, but Ryan has also taken favor to him, referring to him as the "Wag-man."

"Ryan feels comfortable going there and he loves Dr. Wagner," Cremeens said. "Dr. Wagner is more than a top-notch physician - he's just a great person.”

Ryan Cremeens also benefits from the DanceBlue student-volunteers who serve in the clinic during his visits. He enjoys seeing DanceBlue student-volunteer Bryan Adams, who also served as his Indian Summer Camp counselor.

“Every time I see Ryan and his family it makes my day,” Adams said. “He is filled with so much joy and he makes everyone who is around him smile and laugh.”

DanceBlue, the largest student-run philanthropy at the University of Kentucky, has made a profound impact on the children treated in the DanceBlue Clinic since its inception in 2006. The annual DanceBlue Marathon benefits the Golden Matrix Fund and, in turn, the DanceBlue Clinic. Students-volunteers also shape patients’ treatment experience by volunteering in the clinic. DanceBlue has raised more than $9.8 million for children and pledged more than $1 million to support the new clinic in 2013.

“It is truly special with all the new and exciting things happening at UK, for our students to be able to say they built a new facility too,” Simpson said. “It is a testament to the hard work of students throughout the past 12 years, and a commitment to continue fighting for the kids in our clinic.”

Ryan is expected to complete chemotherapy on March 30. The DanceBlue 2017 Marathon will take place the weekend of Feb. 25 and 26 from 8 p.m. Saturday through 8 p.m. in Memorial Coliseum.  The marathon is open to the public from start to finish. For more information about DanceBlue, registration information or to support its efforts, visit danceblue.org.