Cancer and Hematology Centers

Resources for Patients and Families

Learning that your child has cancer or a blood disorder may seem like overwhelming news to take in. Someone who has never experienced it before may have little knowledge about childhood cancer or blood disorders.

Arts and Activities. Our Psychosocial Programs provide a number of activities for patients to participate in:

• Adolescent and Young Adult Program
• Periwinkle Arts in Medicine Program

Social Workers. Our social workers can be a primary source of help. They can provide a good orientation to the clinic, are aware of special problems facing young patients and their families, provide information on how to get help from outside community agencies, and address many other nonmedical issues. Visit our social work office in the outpatient clinic to identify resources that can be of great help to you.

Develop a strong support network. Parents say that as time passes, dealing with the cancer or blood disorder diagnosis becomes easier. Some parents believe this because they understand it better and because friends and family are lending their support. Talking to other families who have been dealing with a similar disease can also be a positive step. A strong support network for children and parents facing cancer and blood disorders spans the country, with local and national parents groups, support groups for children and their siblings, organizations that deal with education, and other branches.