Strengthening Care, Connection, and Community: Highlights from the 2025 Shir for Life Nurses Conference

Soon after the world came together for the second annual International Neuroblastoma Awareness Day, Shir for Life was honored to convene Israel’s pediatric oncology nursing community for the 2025 Neuroblastoma Nurses Conference, held December 8, 2025 in Tel Aviv.

For the nurses who walk beside children and families every day, this gathering provided something rare and meaningful: time to learn, to reflect, to share experiences, and to connect with colleagues across the country who understand the weightת and the purpose of this work.

A National Community of Care

Nursing teams from Hadassah, Safra (Sheba), Shaare Zedek, Rambam, and Ichilov joined for a full day of professional learning and community building. Coming together immediately after Awareness Day underscored a simple truth: raising the bar for children with neuroblastoma requires not only awareness, but also a strong, informed, and connected professional community.

Clinical Insights and Practical Tools

The conference featured a rich program designed to support nurses in the unique challenges of neuroblastoma care. Sessions included:

• Current approaches to neuroblastoma treatment in Israel

• Clinical updates and practical pain-management strategies for children receiving antibody therapy, led by Prof. Jaume Mora, Sant Joan de Déu Children’s Hospital, Barcelona

• The role of the clinical nurse in today’s complex treatment landscape

• Cannabinoid treatment in children — evidence, considerations, and real-world use

• Burnout and emotional resilience among pediatric oncology nurses

• Innovation and AI in pediatric oncology, and how these tools can support clinical practice and family care
  

Each session blended scientific knowledge with hands-on relevance, giving nurses practical insights they can bring back to their units immediately.

“Voices from the Field”: Real Stories, Real Impact

One of the most powerful moments of the day was the Voices from the Field panel, where oncology nurses from multiple centers shared real dilemmas, stories, and lessons from their daily work with children and families.

These stories, often raw, honest, and deeply human, brought into focus the emotional and ethical complexity of caring for children facing a life-threatening illness. They also reaffirmed why strong professional networks matter: behind every clinical decision is a person who supports, guides, and advocates for a child and their family.

Hosted with Heart

We extend our sincere gratitude to Microsoft Reactor, whose generous hospitality created a warm, supportive environment for this important gathering. Their partnership reflects the broader community of individuals and institutions committed to improving the lives of children facing neuroblastoma.

We also deeply thank our partners and sponsors: Takeda, Medison, and Docere for their meaningful support in making this conference possible and for their commitment to advancing neuroblastoma care and professional education in Israel.

Moving Forward—Together

At Shir for Life, our mission is to empower families, strengthen communities, and advance the knowledge that leads to better care and better outcomes. The Nurses Conference is a vital part of that mission.

By investing in the people who stand at the front lines of pediatric oncology, we help build a future where:

• Information is accessible,

• Care is more coordinated,

• Families feel supported,

• And every child receives the best possible chance.

We are deeply grateful to every nurse who attended, every medical center that participated, and every voice that contributed to yesterday’s meaningful conversations.

Together, we continue to light a path of knowledge, strength, and hope for children and families facing neuroblastoma.