The CELLFiE Experience
Every CELLFiE visit is unique because every child is unique.
Children and families are welcomed into the laboratory where they experience the science behind their diagnosis in a safe, supportive and age-appropriate environment.
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The CELLFiE Project was originally developed for children with leukemia and has since expanded to include children with lymphoma, sickle cell disease, solid tumours, other blood and cancer diagnoses, Youth in Care and children experiencing needle phobia. Each experience is adapted to the child’s age, diagnosis, needs and comfort level.
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For children with newly diagnosed leukemia, visits have traditionally taken place after the first round of chemotherapy, when the child may be better able to process new information and review the changes in their cells. Timing may vary for other diagnoses and patient groups based on the child’s needs and the recommendations of their care team.
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Children attend with their caregivers and meet laboratory physicians, scientists and other professionals involved in diagnostic testing. Every visit uses age-appropriate language, visual learning and guided conversation to create a safe environment where children and families can ask questions and better understand the science behind their care.
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CELLFiE visits are coordinated through the child’s healthcare team and tailored to the individual patient. Families interested in learning more should speak with their physician or care provider, or contact The CELLFiE Project for information about availability and next steps.
Meet Our Founder
Dr. David Conrad
Dr. David Conrad is a hematopathologist with Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a Professor in the Department of Pathology at Dalhousie University. His clinical practice focuses on the diagnosis of blood and bone marrow disorders through laboratory medicine, microscopy and genetic diagnostics.
Inspired by a young patient's desire to better understand leukemia, Dr. Conrad founded The CELLFiE Project to help children and families see, understand and engage with the science behind their diagnosis.
Today he leads a multidisciplinary initiative combining pathology, education, research and digital media to improve health literacy and advance patient-centred pathology around the world.
Opening the laboratory door—one patient, one family, and one story at a time.
Growing Beyond Leukemia
Originally developed for children with leukemia, The CELLFiE Project now includes educational programming for children with lymphoma, sickle cell disease, solid tumours, Youth in Care and children living with needle phobia, with continued expansion into additional patient populations planned.
We'd Love to Hear From You
Whether you're a family interested in learning more, a healthcare professional looking to collaborate, or a researcher interested in patient-centred pathology, we'd be happy to connect.