Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children's Cancer and Hematology Clinic in McAllen, TX
The only comprehensive pediatric cancer treatment facility in South Texas
101 W. Expressway 83, McAllen, Texas 78503
(956) 661-9840
The mission of the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children’s Cancer and Hematology Clinic is to offer treatment to children along the Mexico border in South Texas who suffer from cancer and blood disorders. It is the region’s first state-of-the-art pediatric hematology/oncology clinic and the only comprehensive pediatric cancer treatment facility in South Texas.
In addition to offering diagnostic and cancer treatment services, the clinic provides cancer genetic counseling to individuals and families concerned about their risk of cancer, offers the services of a long term survivor program which follows childhood cancer survivors through adulthood, and conducts childhood cancer epidemiology research. Vannie Cook Children's Clinic is a comprehensive care facility.
The clinic was created through a joint effort of the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Cancer Foundation Inc., Baylor College of Medicine and the Texas Children's Cancer Center. Its goal is to ensure that local children who suffer from cancer and blood diseases receive the most up-to-date care and treatment without the need to leave the region and regardless of ability to pay.
Over the last 10 years, more than 5,000 children have been treated at the Vannie Cook Clin
ic. Many of these patients previously would have traveled to San Antonio or Houston for their treatment, a hardship physically, emotionally and financially for them and their families. The clinic is led by medical director Dr. Juan Carlos Bernini and by Dr. Rodrigo Erana, both assistant professors of pediatrics – hematology/oncology at BCM, along with a pediatric nurse practitioner, a staff of registered nurses, social workers, clinic technicians and administrative suppport.
Childhood cancer epidemiology research is conducted through a joint program with M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Long Term Survivor Clinic, Cancer Genetics Clinic, and Cancer Epidemiology
In addition to pediatric hematology/oncology services and programs, the Vannie Cook Clinic also includes a Long Term Survivor Clinic and a Cancer Genetics Clinic, one of the few clinics in the region that provides DNA diagnostic studies, screening tests and counseling services to individuals and families concerned about their risk of cancer.
It also is home to the Childhood Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Program, a joint program of Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's and The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. A long-term epidemiologic research study is being conducted to evaluate the incidence of childhood cancer in this strategic border area. Research studies to examine the causes of childhood cancer in the Mexican-American population in South Texas and to explore prevention strategies are also planned.
For more information, contact the clinic at 956-661-9840.