As September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, The University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital reflects on its crucial role in treating and supporting young cancer patients and their families. Among those leading the effort is Jessica M. Valdez, MD, MPH, an associate professor, institutional principal investigator for the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), and medical director of the Pediatric Infusion Unit at UNM. Valdez shares insights into the state’s only designated children hospital’s commitment to providing personalized, cutting-edge care while navigating the complexities of pediatric oncology in New Mexico.
Each year, approximately 100 children in New Mexico are diagnosed with cancer. UNM Children’s Hospital is the state’s primary referral and treatment center for these young patients, treating around 80% of new diagnoses. Valdez emphasizes the hospital's dedication to ensuring every patient receives the highest level of care.
Our goal is to provide the same access to treatment and research that a child would receive anywhere in the country.
This commitment is made possible through UNM’s participation in the Children’s Oncology Group, a national cooperative that advances pediatric oncology research.
Click here to read patient stories from UNM Children’s Hospital
One of the unique aspects of UNM Children’s Hospital is the personalized care it offers. "We hear time and time again from families that we don’t make them feel like they’re just another patient," says Valdez.
This is in part due to the hospital’s mid-size structure, which allows for more intimate relationships between health care providers and patients. Families often remark on the tight knit, trusting relationships they form with the team, which makes a significant difference in their care experience.
UNM Children’s Hospital leverages a multidisciplinary approach to pediatric oncology, collaborating with other major institutions to address the unique needs of its patient population. Valdez is currently leading a research project with Boston Children’s Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to examine the underrepresentation of minority populations in clinical trials.
“We see different responses to treatment in Native American and Hispanic populations,” Valdez says, highlighting the importance of including these groups in clinical research to tailor treatment more effectively. One of the primary project goals is to identify the reasons behind limited participation in clinical trials among Native American and Hispanic communities, and then how to reduce those barriers and increase patient engagement.
Recent advancements in pediatric cancer treatment, particularly in leukemia, have been groundbreaking. Valdez describes the introduction of the immunotherapy drug blinatumomab into frontline leukemia treatments, which has significantly improved survival rates.
“We do a good job with pediatric cancers already, but now we’re looking at improvements up to 98% in survival for leukemia patients, which is incredible. As a parent, you would grasp at every single 1% improvement,” she says.
Pediatric cancer is a journey that affects not only the patient but the entire family. UNM Children’s Hospital recognizes the importance of addressing emotional and psychological wellbeing. "We focus on the patient as a whole," Valdez explains.
Through partnerships with organizations like the Children’s Cancer Fund of New Mexico, the hospital provides resources such as gift cards, counseling services, and even assistance with bills. The hospital provides medical care at and supports Camp Enchantment, a space where young cancer survivors can connect and share their experiences.
UNM Children’s Hospital is committed to providing equitable access to care, regardless of a family’s background or location. "We see everyone, no matter where they’re from, whether they have insurance or not," says Valdez. The hospital works creatively to meet the needs of families from rural and underserved communities, collaborating with local hospitals and clinics to ensure that patients receive the care they need.
Valdez beams with pride when sharing recent successes.
"This year, we had a record number of high school seniors who completed their therapy and their senior year at the same time. These students, from all around New Mexico, overcame cancer while achieving a significant academic milestone," she says. These triumphs underscore the hospital’s ethos of hope and perseverance.
As UNM Children’s Hospital continues to innovate and expand its reach, Dr. Valdez hopes to see increased support for pediatric specialty care in New Mexico. "We are short-staffed in every single position, but despite our limitations, we strive to provide top-level care for our patients," she says. Increasing participation in clinical trials, particularly among minority patients, is also a top priority for the hospital’s future.
As Childhood Cancer Awareness Month unfolds, Dr. Valdez and her team at UNM Children’s Hospital remain steadfast in their mission: to provide compassionate, cutting-edge care to every child and family that walks through their doors.
“Every September we do our best to bring awareness to pediatric cancer, and it's hard because it’s still considered a rare disease. But when it happens to your child it doesn't matter how rare a disease it is, you still hope for an answer,” says Valdez. “Our team here at UNM really cares, and we all work so hard together to do the best that we can to take care of our patients.”
About UNM Children’s Hospital
- New Mexico’s only designated children’s hospital
- 13 specialty services not offered anywhere else in the state
- NICU, Level IV – Lovelace and Presbyterian only have Level III
- Pediatric Emergency Dept 24/7 with pediatric emergency doctors, trained specifically for this discipline
- Ped trauma
- P Urgent care
- Rehab
- Peds Neurosurgery
- Children's Flight Service
- Pediatric Respiratory Therapy
- Pediatric Clinical Pharmacists
- Pediatric Immunology
- Pediatric Genetics/Dysmorphology
- CART (Child Abuse Team)
- CDD (Center for Development and Disability)
- Only pediatric emergency department in New Mexico
Want to help? Dr. Valdez encourages donations to the Children’s Cancer Fund of New Mexico, which provides a great deal of support to patients and families navigating a pediatric cancer diagnosis at UNM. She also readily welcomes the donation of a CBC machine to streamline and simplify patient care.