Researchers meet children, families affected by cancer

Christine Eischen, Ph.D., describes what 5-year-old leukemia survivor Paige Linder sees in the microscope.

Researcher Silvia Plaza, M.D., shows the children one technique used in research.

Timothy Greiner, M.D., explains how he uses microscopes to diagnose lymphoma.

Researchers don’t always have the opportunity to meet those they are trying to help. Instead, they are busy in the laboratory studying cancer, writing papers and applying for grants. But recently, UNMC cancer researchers met a dozen children and adults affected by leukemia or lymphoma.

Members, volunteers and associates of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Nebraska Chapter, visited Timothy Greiner, M.D., associate professor, department of pathology and microbiology; and Christine Eischen, Ph.D., assistant professor, UNMC Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, and her colleagues, all who study lymphoma.

The visitors found it rewarding to get a glimpse into cancer research and meet those who are working to find a cure.

Paige Linder, 5, along with her parents Jake and Mindy Linder, presented cookies, personalized cards and thank-you notes to Drs. Eischen and Greiner.

Linder has been free of leukemia for two years. “Researchers need to see the kids they help because it makes it more personal,” said Mindy Linder. “When they tell you about gene studies, it means nothing, but to meet the people that actually work on the research is important.”

The researchers, including Silvia Plaza, M.D., showed the group various research tools and how they conduct experiments. “The work here is especially important to people,” Dr. Plaza said. “It’s nice to work for these kids and families, and to see people survive the disease.”

The researchers made a lasting impression on the young visitors — one wants to be a scientist.