Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program
The Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program (BMT) at Children’s of Alabama is the state’s only dedicated pediatric bone marrow transplant facility. The BMT program specializes in therapies to treat leukemia and other forms of cancer, rare genetic conditions, immune deficiencies, bone marrow failure syndromes and sickle cell disease. 
Single and tandem autologous transplants are performed for certain malignant conditions, including brain tumors. Allogeneic transplants using marrow, peripheral blood stem cells or cord blood from related or unrelated donors are performed for malignant and non-malignant disorders.
Four full-time pediatric physicians are part of a highly experienced multidisciplinary team that transplants 30-40 children each year, having performed more than 650 transplantations in the program’s 30-year history. Support services include an on-site pharmacy, child life services, an occupational/physical therapy team, neuropsychology services, social work support, nutritionists, spiritual care and a certified teacher. 
The transplant unit consists of eight private inpatient and four outpatient rooms and is HEPA-filtered and self-contained, helping to maintain family integrity.
In conjunction with the Children’s Oncology Group and the Pediatric Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Consortium, transplant protocols have been developed to provide optimal treatments for children and adolescents with different types of cancer, immune deficiencies, or other blood disorders. The facility is National Marrow Donor Program® certified, accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy, and participates in the NACHRI Quality Transformation Network and the CLABSI collaborative.
Diseases we treat at the Blood and Marrow Program include:
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What to Expect on BMT Unit:
Navigating Blood and Marrow Transplant
Typical Day on the Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit
Understanding Blood and Marrow Transplants
Our Multidisciplinary Team
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Physicians BMT Nurse Practitioners |
Pre-Transplant Coordinator Pharmacist BMT Clinic |
Hope and Cope Family Support Team Neuropsychologist – Kristen Canavera, PhD, MA Child Life Specialist – Lindsey Smith, BS, CCLS Sunshine School Teacher – Sheila Phillips, Ed. D. Chaplain – Micah Bruxvoort, M. Div., BCC Social Worker – Azilya Hales, LMSW |
Bone Marrow Transplant Resources
Learn more about the National Marrow Donor Program and the registry.
Admission Guidelines for Families (PDF)
Leaving the Hospital After Discharge (PDF)
Admission Guidelines for Families (spanish)
Leaving the Hospital After Discharge (spanish)
Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology and Oncofertility Program
AYA Program 2Individuals diagnosed with cancer between 15 and 39y (AYA: adolescents and young adults) are at a vulnerable time in their development from a social, emotional and cognitive perspective; thus, there are many unmet needs related to health and well-being that are unique to the AYA population. AYA have inferior outcomes when compared with children <15y, and outcomes continue to lag behind children over time. Enrollment on therapeutic clinical trials correlates strongly with survival, suggesting that clinical trial enrollment plays an important role in clinical AYA care; however, the proportion of AYA enrolled on clinical trials drops with age. These observations collectively resulted in the National Cancer Institute (NCI) issuing a mandate to address the unique vulnerability and needs in AYA, while the National Comprehensive Cancer Center Network (NCCN) began issuing guidelines regarding optimal care of AYA patients.
You may need to come to the clinic as often as daily, based on your child’s condition and needs. Usually the clinic visits decrease after the first few months. Use a calendar or note book to keep track of clinic visits, changes to medications, blood counts or other vital information. Writing things down may help decrease stress and help keep things organized. Bring this information to all your clinic visits.
Please contact pedsCTO@uabmc.edu for more information.
Learn More
Information for referring physicians/facilities:
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We are happy to review new patient referrals and/or second opinion consultations with our team. To help expedite this process, please include the following information in your referral:
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Patient name and demographic information.
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Recent clinic notes including lab work.
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Operative Notes.
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Pathology Reports.
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Imaging Reports.
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Referral information can be faxed to: 205-638-2464; BMTreferral@childrensal.org
Bone Marrow Transplant Patient Stories
Sophie Cromer
In September 2022, 6-year-old Sophie Cromer started having bruising on her body, dark circles under her eyes, and her parents noticed that she would get worn out quickly.
Sophie's Story
Gwen Shaver
When Gwen Shaver and her twin brother, Grant, were born, parents Ben and Deanna knew their baby girl was special. What they didn’t expect was that she would soon be diagnosed with a rare disease that affects one in 250,000 children.
Gwen's Story
