Dear Friend,

With summer nearing and the school year wrapping up in Memphis, May is a month filled with important health observances. This month, we observe Children’s Mental Health Week, ICU Awareness Month, Brain Tumor Awareness Month, and International Clinical Trials Day.

Clinical psychologist John “Drew” Sturgeon, PhD, shares how cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help with stress, mood, and physical activity. CBT, combined with other treatments, improves overall mental health and chronic pain management.

Restful sleep is essential for recovery in the pediatric ICU, but the environment can make it challenging. Valerie Crabtree, PhD, shares practical tips to make sleep easier for children and caregivers.

Brain tumors are the second most common childhood cancer, highlighting the importance of Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Heather Conklin, PhD, discusses research on equipping parents with resources to help young survivors overcome learning challenges due to treatment.

Families' lived experiences can shape care and research. Anna Sonkin, MD, a palliative care doctor and parent of a childhood cancer survivor, is working to amplify the voices of those impacted by serious illnesses.

Finally, to celebrate International Clinical Trials Day on May 20, we invite you to watch a 3-part video series on clinical trials featuring pediatric hematologist-oncologist Julie Park, MD, on our Facebook page.

With respect and appreciation,

Daniel Bastardo Blanco, PhD

Manager, Together by St. Jude™