In recognition of September as Childhood Cancer, Sickle Cell Disease, Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) and Histiocytosis Awareness Month, The Periwinkle Foundation is launching a month-long series of stories, articles, engagement opportunities and posts. Follow along on Periwinkle’s Facebook and Instagram for daily features highlighting these life-threatening illnesses and the ways in which Periwinkle provides a community of healing for children and families cared for at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers.

What is Histiocytosis?

According to Dr. Kenneth McClain, Director of the Histiocytosis Program at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, “Histiocytosis is a general term for several diseases that occurs when there is an over-production of white blood cells known as histiocytes. The histiocytes collect themselves in different parts of the body with other cells and cause the disease.” Each year, physicians in the Histiocytosis Program at Texas Children’s Cancer Center see approximately 150 new patients each year and follow more than 1,000 active patients, including patients from five continents.

To learn more about Histiocytosis, treatment, and research, browse these resources provided by the Histiocytosis Program at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers:

• Histiocytosis: A comprehensive overview
• Histiocytosis: 101 Commonly Asked Questions
• The Research Challenge: Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH)
• Spit for a Cure: New Study to Define the Role of Inheritance in Histiocytic Diseases

Patients and families at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers are connected to the Periwinkle community of healing through a series of year-round Periwinkle camps, the Periwinkle Arts In Medicine Program at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, and the Periwinkle adult Long Term Survivor program.