Dr. Dan Greenfield

More than 12,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. Fighting cancer requires a team of specialists dedicated to pediatric cancer care.

 

Cottage Children’s Hospital is also part of the non-profit Children’s Oncology Group, a prestigious international organization whose members work collaboratively on developing new treatments and cures for cancer in infants, children, and adolescents.

 

The pediatric hematology/oncology program at Cottage Children’s Hospital – has been led by medical director Dr. Daniel Greenfield and is the only comprehensive inpatient and outpatient program of its kind on the Central Coast. He has led the program since 2002 and has served over 22 years in the field. 

 

“Dr. Dan” as he is affectionately known, he has a rapport with the children and families he treats that is undeniable.  Most kids run or burst into tears at the site of their doctor.  But with Dan, it is almost always huge smiles, jokes and laughter.  He brings a level of comfort to the children that put families at ease even in the most dire of circumstances.  Simply the best illustration of “Dr. Dan” is put by one Melinda Marchiano in an exerpt from her new book Grace…

 

“Good morning , young lady,” he announced while shaking my hand.

“And how are you today?”

 

This was Dr. Dan Greenfield, the gentle, comical, white-coatless doctor I would come to love. At the very first sight of him, he came off as more of a friend, with nothing other than a stethoscope perched atop his shoulders. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but he took on the appearance of a cartoon character. . . one that creates warm, fuzzy feelings and makes you grin from ear to ear.  He was Ernie . . . or Bert . . . or maybe Elmo? Well, whatever memorable Muppet he resembled, he had a tranquil, serene, yet strong presence that became very apparent the moment he walked in.  After examining me briefly, he listened intently to everything I had to say. This is a trait that I admire so much about Dr. Dan. He not only listens but also genuinely, wholeheartedly cares. Immediately, I respected his passionate knowledge, deep wisdom, and, especially, the true concern and understanding he portrayed.  It overflowed from his heart, like a pond just after a newly fallen rain.

 

Working with Dr. Greenfield has been an amazing blessing for Teddy Bear.  He relishes in the opportunity to see the kids post-treatment and share in their successes as well as their struggles.

 

Thank you Dan! Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation is honored to recognize you for all your tireless energy, dedication, enthusiasm, and love!

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