Family support for childhood cancer

At our cancer centers, we go beyond a physical cure for your child. We also offer innovative therapies and support to help your child’s body, mind and soul heal. And we support families coping with childhood cancer, helping everyone adjust and find ways to thrive.

Our cancer centers bring together programs that benefit your child, family and community. These innovative offerings include sibling support groups, school coordinators and family activities. Help comes from dedicated social workers, therapists and Child Life specialists.

Support programs for children with cancer

Not only does cancer treatment take up a lot of time and energy, but your child also has needs that go beyond the disease itself. Our support programs fill the gap, offering:

• Expansive therapies: We include music and art therapies in our treatment plan recommendations. These creative therapies can help your child regain function, express their feelings and improve their sense of well-being.
• School support: We don’t want your child to fall behind. Learn more about how our school coordination during cancer care helps them catch up and keep up.
• Survivorship: Join the more than 500 survivors who participate in our unique P.O.S.T. program. The program and its participants help your child move back into “regular” life.

 

Help for families coping with childhood cancer

Our team includes experts in many aspects of childhood cancer, from physical wellness to emotional support and family relationships. When your family comes to our cancer centers, you find:

• Family programs: We’ve developed our programs to help families learn about cancer, communicate with each other, handle finances and transition after care ends. Our social workers also help caregivers handle the enormous stress of caring for a sick child.
• Special events: We plan outings and events that give children and their families fun and inclusive social time.
• Sibling support group: We help siblings express feelings and learn coping skills. Find out more about our sibling support group for cancer, including how to sign up.
• Resources: Learn even more about cancer and its treatment with our most trusted family resources for childhood cancer.

 

Assistance with expenses from pediatric cancer care

Dealing with cancer treatment is difficult enough. Handling the unexpected expenses and special equipment adds even more strain to families. Our social workers help you fill out requests and applications and further assist you by:

• Referring you to community resources: Dedicated organizations can help you with cancer-related issues and everyday needs.
• Finding grants and other financial help: We identify programs that assist families like yours and get you connected.
• Connecting you with our direct philanthropy: Our Advocate Children’s Hospital foundation can potentially help with medications, special equipment and other needs.

Arranging a place to stay: Families traveling to us have access to housing and meals at Ronald McDonald House, located across from our Oak Lawn cancer center.