The 25,500-square-foot institute, which was recently named by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 pediatric cancer program in South Florida, bringing together pediatric cancer and blood disorder services, is made possible through a donation gifted by the philanthropic couple.
Nicklaus Children's Hospital has broken ground on the next chapter of the Helen & Jacob Shaham Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute, a transformative expansion that will create a more integrated, accessible and patient-centered environment for children receiving cancer and blood disorder care. Nicklaus Children's Health System leadership, donors, patients and the hospital's foundation joined together to mark the official start of construction.
The institute, expected to open in its new location in 2028, will be housed within the renovated Medical Arts Building and will encompass approximately 25,500 square feet across two floors. Designed to blend clinical efficiency with comfort, discovery and moments of respite, the new space will support children and families throughout their care journey while strengthening collaboration among physicians, researchers and care teams.
The institute's 17,500-square-foot first floor will feature 20 infusion bays and 10 exam rooms. A neighborhood-based design will organize infusion bays into clusters of four, with staff and support spaces located within each neighborhood to promote efficient care delivery while creating a more personal experience for patients and families. The 8,000-square-foot second floor will include an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Suite with six infusion bays, as well as physician, research and staff offices and support areas. Bringing these functions together will encourage collaboration and help strengthen continuity of care.
“Helen and Jacob Shaham's transformational investment was more than an extraordinary gift, it was the beginning of a relationship and a shared commitment to building a future where children facing cancer and blood disorders can receive exceptional, compassionate and comprehensive care close to home, without ever needing to leave Florida, said Matthew A. Love, President and CEO of Nicklaus Children's Health System. "This new space represents how far we have come and looking ahead to a future that is more innovative, connected and accessible, giving children and families more hope.”
The Institute was named in recognition of Helen and Jacob Shaham's $15 million investment in the future of pediatric cancer care at Nicklaus Children's. Founders of The Palace Group, a nationally recognized senior community in South Florida, the couple have dedicated their lives to investing in their community and innovative health care.
"We are very proud to be part of this organization," says Jacob Shaham. "When Helen and I first toured the hospital, we saw the unique commitment from the physicians, nurses and administration and left that day, without even thinking twice, knowing we wanted to help."
For patients like Tristan, who was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma and received care at Nicklaus Children's by Dr. Thomas J. Utset-Ward, pediatric orthopedic oncologist and Dr. Maggie Fader, pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist as well as medical director of the Sarcoma and Solid Tumors Program, the new institute represents more than a new building. It represents an environment designed around the realities of childhood cancer.
"I am incredibly grateful to Nicklaus Children's and the hope and care this new center will bring for years to come, says Tristan. "Chemo is tough, some days I could barely get out of bed, but my doctors monitored me closely to ensure I was back on my feet and cancer-free before my first day at a new high school."
Providing state-of-the-art medical and surgical care for more pediatric cancer patients than any other facility in South Florida, the Helen and Jacob Shahan Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute leads the way through investments in groundbreaking research focused on new cures, treatments and diagnostic procedures. The institute is the #1 ranked pediatric cancer program in South Florida by U.S. News & World Report. To support cancer care at Nicklaus Children's, visit https://donate.nicklauschildrens.org/shaham