Celebrating 10 Years of Making Back-to-School Brighter for Families Affected by Cancer
In late July, CancerCare completed its 10th year of the Back-to-School Program, an initiative that continues to bring practical support and emotional relief to families coping with the impact of cancer. This year, 120 children from 51 families across the tri-state area received brand new backpacks filled with essential school supplies to help them start the school year with confidence and excitement.
Thanks to the generosity, teamwork and dedication of so many, this year’s program was another great success!
We want to extend a very special thank you to our New Jersey social work team and our facilities team for making this program possible, coordinating logistics and ensuring that every family received their backpacks before the school bell rings.
Every year, we ask families to share their feedback. Here are just a few reflections from participants:
How did this program help your family?
“The financial impact of this disease is catastrophic, so when you have an organization that helps you afford quality items for your child, it allows the family to breathe a little easier.”
“Purchasing school supplies is both time-consuming and costly. This program helped reduce both.”
“It allows an opportunity for my kids and I to bond. I was able to focus on other responsibilities related to my kids and my household.”
What makes this program unique?
“It was such an easy process to secure assistance. I cannot say enough how crucial these programs are for families that are suffering.”
“It gives caregivers one less thing to worry about as their kids go back to school.”
“That there are people who really care about helping those in need.”
Additional feedback:
“Que bueno que exista estos programas para la gente que hemos sufrido tanto por el cáncer.”
“These programs, however small, help her [my daughter] feel seen and part of this community.”
“Cancer brings not only emotional and physical challenges, but also significant financial hardships that can affect every aspect of a family's life. From medical bills and transportation costs to lost income, it becomes difficult to cover even the most basic needs—especially for children. That’s why organizations like CancerCare are so important.”
Special thanks to CancerCare staff Kathy Nugent, Sara Whelan, Nikki Molfetas, Anthony Murphy, Maria Martinez and Susan Streaser, who all helped make this program possible. And thanks to our generous supporters, this fall, children can walk into the classroom feeling ready, supported and seen.
CancerCare for Kids’ Back-to-School Program is open to children and teens diagnosed with cancer, who have a loved one diagnosed with cancer or who have lost a loved one to cancer and who reside in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut.