"First, it was a rash, then numbness in the face, then our son got really sick. Our lives changed dramatically. We weren’t sure how to deal with this disease and keep going with our lives at
the same time.”

THE SAMARA JAN TURKEL CLINICAL CENTER is dedicated to raising awareness in the medical community and among the general public about autoimmune disease treatment and support. The Clinica Center’s goals include increased contact with community physicians, participation in national and international conferences and expanded outreach and education beyond Children’s Hospital Boston.

WHAT IS AN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE?
Autoimmune diseases are caused by an overactive immune system that for unknown reasons
reacts against some of its own tissue and produces antibodies to mistakenly attack itself.
Autoimmune disorders can be directed mainly at one part of the body, such as the thyroid gland or the pancreas, or they can spread widely throughout the body, as in the case of lupus. These diseases are not contagious.

For more information on autoimmune diseases, consult your pediatrician or visit the Children’s
Hospital web site.

FAMILY-CENTERED CARE
The Samara Jan Turkel Clinical Center will empower your family with the information you need to understand and participate in your child’s care and healing. Your rheumatologist and nurse specialist will answer any questions about your child’s evaluation, diagnosis, and therapy, and work with you to determine the best treatment and support for your child. Autoimmune conditions can profoundly affect the emotional, mental and social health of children and their families.

A CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST is available at the Center to give special attention to the growth and social issues that face children with chronic medical conditions. The Center also provides information about NATIONAL SUPPORT GROUPS and OTHER RESOURCES. Children with certain conditions may have the opportunity to participate in SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS with other patients their age.