"Once we had a diagnosis of lupus in our first daughter, we began to worry about her little sister. Would our youngest also get this disease? Or would it be something else?”

Making Better Tomorrows...Today

At The Samara Jan Turkel Clinical Center established at Children's Hospital Boston, the premier pediatric healthcare and research facility in the country, we offer the first clinical center dedicated solely to the diagnosis and treatment of children with autoimmune diseases. Here you will find a multidisciplinary team of physicians, scientists, and caregivers armed with the most advanced knowledge and experience, leading edge solutions and the best understanding of the ordeal facing you, your child and your family.

A UNIQUE RESOURCE
The Samara Jan Turkel Clinical Center for Pediatric Autoimmune Disease provides comprehensive and family-centered care, including:

• THOROUGH SCREENING: An initial visit with the Center’s nurse specialist establishes a record of your child’s health, medical history, treatment to date, and the family medical history.

• COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION: A visit with a pediatric rheumatologist (a specialist in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions) begins the diagnosis and treatment process.

• CONSULTATIONS WITH SPECIALISTS: The rheumatologist may arrange evaluations by specialists from other areas such as immunology (the immune system), cardiology (the heart), nephrology (the kidneys) or orthopedics (the bones).

• A COMPLETE CARE PLAN: Information from each of these physician consultations will be considered in developing a plan of care for your child. As part of the Center’s comprehensive
approach, the nurse specialist, rheumatologist and other specialists meet regularly to share information and ideas on your child’s treatment and support.

• INPATIENT CARE: If your child needs a hospital stay, your multidisciplinary team will be there to coordinate care.

• COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR PEDIATRICIAN: To help you manage your child’s health outside of the Center, the staff will work in close collaboration with your child’s regular pediatrician and other caregivers.

The unparalleled resources of Children’s Hospital Boston are included in the comprehensive
care offered through the Samara Jan Turkel Clinical Center. Your child may also need:

• REHABILITATIVE THERAPY, including physical and occupational therapy.
• OUTREACH TO COMPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROVIDERS, including acupuncturists, massage
therapists and nutritionists.
• TREATMENT AND SUPPORT FOR PAIN PROBLEMS through the Children’s Hospital Pain
Treatment Service.
• ACCESS TO ENROLLMENT in Children’s Hospital clinical trials for novel therapies.
• ACCESS TO CUTTING-EDGE DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES through the Division of Immunology at
Children’s Hospital, including assessment of immune function and advanced genetic screening
that can help you understand the risk of autoimmune disease in other family members.

For a consultation, diagnosis, or additional information call 1-888-244-5318.

Do you want to help ?The Samara Jan Turkel Foundation would be happy to assist you in your fund-raising efforts. Please contact .

Here are a list of links that should be of interest to you:

What is autoimmune disease?
The National Institute of Health
http://www.autoimmune-disease.com/
The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association
The Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Autoimmune diseases and conditions
The National Jewish Medical and Research Center
The Children's Hospital Boston
Variety Foundation - The Children's Charity