Thanks to a generous gift from David C. Pratt and an anonymous donor, the Pediatric Cancer and Hematology Center will be expanded with a Cardinals theme and construction design. This is a $1 million challenge gift and construction will begin when the challenge is met. In recognition of this gift, the center will be renamed "Cardinals Kids Cancer Center."

The expansion will give Dr. Robert Bergamini, founder of the center, and Dr. Rob Hanson the ability to provide a unique healing environment for children to enjoy during their journey of treatment. The Pediatric Cancer and Hematology Center is one of the comprehensive services of the St. John's Mercy Children's Hospital a hospital within a hospital that is being further expanded with construction of a new patient tower on the St. John's Mercy Medical Center campus.

The Cardinals-themed center, which will be 2,000 square feet larger than the current facility, will be designed with a look and feel reminiscent of the new Busch Stadium, complete with murals depicting the ballpark's distinct brick archways and a baseball diamond outlined in the floor. Expansion focuses on a renovated reception area and the addition of four distinct therapy rooms.

The Box Office: a reception area that sets the stage for a healing environment.

The Bullpen: a room for physical reconditioning of motor skills and sensory awareness.

Mudville: a room for self exploration and expression through textural and tactile interactions.

Fredbird's Roost: a room for large organized motor activities and group interaction.

Cardinals Cottage: a room for curiosity building activities, identity and culture exploration, and "cause and effect" play.

These therapy rooms turn the environment of receiving chemotherapy, radiation, blood products and other cancer treatments into a place of excitement for children stricken with life-threatening cancer and blood disorders. Complementing these therapy rooms is the Gunn Family Room, where comforting "pods" are available as a place for children and their families to gather, relax, play games or simply be together.

Cleverly designed as a play area, the Cardinals Care Kids Center has a distinct clinical purpose designed to encourage activity (therapy) that improves the patient's quality of life. We invite the community to join us in creating this unique environment.