In Israel, 350 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. Despite the advances that have been achieved in the management of Childhood Malignancies, at present, approximately one-third will die from their illness. Caring for a child with a life threatening illness over long periods of time is emotionally and physically exhausting for a family. No life experience has as profound an impact on a family as the death of a son or daughter.

The Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Department of the Sheba Medical Center is the leading center for treatment of childhood cancers in Israel. The department includes the Pediatric Oncology Outpatient Clinic and Day Care Unit, the inpatient ward and the bone marrow transplantation unit. A home care unit provides palliative home care for terminally ill patients and coordinates treatment between services in the hospital and the community.

The Marion and Elie Wiesel Children's Pavilion is the newest addition to the Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Department. We are devoted to accompanying Pediatric Oncology patients and their families on the long and painful journey from diagnosis to dealing with death. This unique facility was specially designed to meet the needs of dying patients and their families. It is located in the midst of the Sheba Medical Center, across the street from the Parent Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Department. However, it maintains privacy as a separate house in a beautiful private garden. The Hospice is designed as a center enabling a full program of daily activities, as well as allowing for a peaceful retreat for families that need a longer stay.

Common facilities include a playroom, TV room, music room, and treatment rooms. The residential units provide comfort and privacy for the patient as well as a living room that is fully equipped for family members to stay. There is a small kitchen and bathroom. Each apartment opens onto a private balcony and the garden.

The staff consists of a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers, and therapists dedicated to excellence in the provision of care for patients and their families. We believe that each individual and family can be assisted to face this difficult time in their own best way and as such we use a holistic approach designed to meet the unique medical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of each patient and his or her family. An individual treatment plan is developed, honoring the family's wishes and expectations and support groups are conducted for parents, siblings and grandparents.

We believe that through education and understanding of issues surrounding death and dying, we can impact how the community responds to children with life threatening health conditions. Therefore, we seek alliance with existing community resources. Our vision is to enhance and strengthen health services and service providers, to support and assist affected children and their families.