When A Parent Has Cancer
Helping Children Cope with a Parent's Illness
CLIMB (Children's Lives Include Moments of Bravery) - A Program of The Children's Treehouse Foundation
This is a FREE 4-week program designed for children ages 6-12 years whose parent or primary caregiver has a cancer diagnosis. Children attend 4 weekly sessions focusing on a select topic each week. Each session incorporates activities and discussion time on the selected topic. The goal is to teach coping skills to help children deal with the stress that occurs when families are coping with a parent's cancer diagnosis. All sessions for children are facilitated by health care professionals who are experienced in the care of families coping with cancer. Topics include: Knowledge of Cancer and Treatments, Identifying Feelings (Happy, Confused, Sad, Scared, Mad), Coping with Feelings (Happy, Confused, Sad, Scared, Mad), Facilitating Communication.
Registration is required. Enrollment is limited. Please call 650-725-9456 for registration and and any questions you may have. Parking passes are provided to all those attending a Cancer Supportive Care Program class at the Cancer Center.
When: 4 weekly sessions, Wednesdays (Sept. 16, Sept. 23, Sept. 30, October 7), 5 - 6:30 pm
Where: 2nd Floor Conference Room CC2105, Stanford Cancer Center, 875 Blake Wilbur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305
Led by: Anne Heideck, LCSW and Debra Monzack, CCLS
When a parent receives a cancer diagnosis, he or she often struggles with how, when, and what to tell their children. Frequently, their children's well-being is the parent's primary concern even at the point of their initial diagnosis. While a parent may have the inclination to shield or protect their children from their diagnosis, it is actually more helpful to provide children with clear, age appropriate information regarding their parent's illness.
Explore the links below for more information and resources to parents, family members, and teachers that will help guide their interactions with the children of patients with cancer or other serious illnesses.
- Children and Grief
- Support Organizations and Web Resources
- 2009 Cancer Supportive Care Program Calendar, July - December
- Coping with Diagnosis
For more classes and support groups, please visit the Cancer Supportive Care Program.
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