Support Groups

Connect with others in our free support groups led by oncology social workers.

Face-to-Face Groups

• Crafting Ways to Cope — For Children and Teens Who Have a Family Member with Cancer (Connecticut)
• Kids Group — For Children Who Have a Parent with Cancer (Connecticut)

Connect^® Education Workshops

Listen in by telephone or online as leading experts in oncology provide up-to-date information about cancer-related issues in one-hour workshops. Podcasts are also available.

Podcasts

For Any Cancer Diagnosis

• Helping Children and Teens Understand When a Parent or Loved One Has Cancer
• Helping Teachers and Educators Support Siblings of Children with Cancer
• For Parents, Caregivers and Professionals: Helping Brothers and Sisters of Children Living with Cancer

Publications

Read or order our free Connect booklets and fact sheets offering easy-to-read information about the latest cancer treatments, managing side effects and coping with cancer.

For Any Cancer Diagnosis

• Helping Children Understand Cancer: Talking to Your Kids About Your Diagnosis
• Helping Children When a Family Member Has Cancer
• Helping the Siblings of the Child with Cancer

Ask CancerCare

Every month, featured experts answer your questions about coping with cancer.

For Any Cancer Diagnosis

• Are there books written especially for children that can help them understand and cope with a parent's cancer diagnosis?
• My daughter is having separation anxiety now that she knows about my cancer. She also wakes me up every night saying she is scared. She won't go to sleep without me. Any suggestions?
• My 7 year old daughter is sure she did something to cause my cancer. What can I say to her to convince her otherwise?
• Last week I told my son that I had cancer and we have barely spoken about it since. What can I do to help support my son?
• I've been recently diagnosed and I'm not sure quite how to tell my kids. Is it ever a good idea to not tell them?
• I have a 14 year-old son who doesn't seem to want to talk about my cancer at all. I know it's hard for him, but it also can't be good for him to keep things bottled up. What should I do?
• I've recently started treatment and I'm trying to find things that can help support my 13-year-old such as groups, counseling, etc. Do you have recommendations?
• My 5-year-old nephew has lost an eye due to retinoblastoma. He has started asking questions we do not know how to answer (e.g., What does cancer look like? Was I born with it?). How do we answer these questions and ease his anxieties?
• I am 16 years old. My mother died of cancer when I was 12. I am still grieving deeply about it. What can I do to feel better?
• My daughter passed away from cancer about 6 months ago and I'm concerned about my 2 grandchildren, ages 7 and 4. Could you give me advice about how I might be able to help them?
• I'm a third-grade teacher and one of my student's mothers recently died of cancer. I'd like to know how to help her, and how to help the rest of my class support her.

For Esophageal Cancer

• My husband has stage IV esophageal cancer and his prognosis isn't good. My son is worried that he is going to die, but also wonders why his dad is so "crabby" and keeps yelling at him to clean up his room. How do I help my son understand what his father is going through?

For Leukemia

• My 6-year-old son is getting treatment for leukemia. He is getting so much attention right now that his older brother is feeling left out. What can I do?
• About six months ago, my five-year-old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia and I had to leave work to take care of her. Now, I'm struggling financially and need help paying the bills. Where can I get help?

Community Programs

If you live in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, learn about and view the full calendar of our free community programs.

• Feb 13 Caring Hearts Workshop: For Children and Teens February 13, 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  Ridgewood, NJ
• Jun 08 Healing Hearts Family Bereavement Camp June 8, 6:00 p.m. – June 10, 3:00 p.m.
  Malibu Dude Ranch, Milford, PA