The goal of Rebecca’s Wish is to provide hope to children with pancreatitis, a disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. This is a disease that is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Through the leadership of Rebecca’s Wish, a team of fellowship-trained surgeons specializing in the field of pediatric pancreatitis have been trained to work with hospitals in San Antonio, New Orleans, Salt Lake City and Seattle. Inpatient/outpatient care, supportive services, and research and development are all foundational principals of this life-saving mission. Rebecca’s Wish wants to champion the fight against pediatric pancreatitis, so that children can finally receive the treatment they desperately need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rebecca's Wish?
Rebecca's Wish is a non-profit organization that provides support and hope to children suffering from pancreatitis through supportive patient care, charitable services, and medical research.
What is pediatric pancreatitis?
Pediatric pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas in children. The pancreas is a large gland that facilitates digestion and produces insulin. Pancreatitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including gallstones, medications, infections, and injuries.
What are the symptoms of pediatric pancreatitis?
Symptoms of pediatric pancreatitis can vary, but may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and weight loss.
How is pediatric pancreatitis diagnosed?
Pediatric pancreatitis can be diagnosed through a range of tests, including blood tests, imaging tests, and stool tests.
How is pediatric pancreatitis treated?
Treatment for pediatric pancreatitis typically involves pain management, intravenous fluids, and possibly surgery.
What is Camp Hope?
Camp Hope is a free summer camp for children between the age of 8-18. All campers have been diagnosed with pancreatitis at some point in their lives. This free camp provides a fun and supportive environment for children to learn about their condition, connect with other kids who understand what they are going through, and just be kids.
Does Rebecca's Wish offer financial assistance?
Rebecca's Wish believes in the gift of paying it forward. Our nonprofit occasionally provides scholarships to patients with financial needs, so that their families can cover the costs of travel and hotel stays while the child with pancreatitis is hospitalized.
How can I get involved with Rebecca's Wish?
There are a number of ways to get involved with Rebecca's Wish, including volunteering for our events, donating money, or fundraising. You learn more on our “Get Involved” page.
What is the Pancreas Passport?
The Pancreatitis Passport is a personalized document that contains information about a patient's pancreatitis, including their medical history, treatment plan, and contact information for their specialist. The passport is designed to help patients receive better care when they are away from their regular doctor.
Does Rebecca's Wish offer genetic testing?
Rebecca's Wish has partnered with Ariel Precision Medicine to provide free genetic testing to families affected by pediatric pancreatitis. Genetic testing can help identify underlying genetic factors that may be contributing to a child's pancreatitis.
