Children and Families

Families with kids facing a life-threatening medical condition in the United States. 

To provide year-round free fun-filled adventures that allows children with life-threatening conditions to feel like A Kid Again.

• Provides a community of other families navigating life while raising a medically complex child with in-person adventures arranged by local chapters
• Coordinates chats groups during virtual adventures, gaming teams in ESports, and Facebook groups
• Sends “Adventures in a Box” a program that delivers a box packed full of activities you can do together as a family.

Children with cancer and their families, caregivers, young adults, healthcare professionals and researchers related to childhood cancer

To change the lives of children with cancer through funding impactful research, raising awareness, supporting families, and empowering everyone to help cure childhood cancer.

• Travel For Care Program offers financial assistance to eligible families for travel for childhood cancer treatment at medical institutions in the U.S. and Canada.  Patient must be diagnosed by age 18 and be under 21 and in active oncology treatment following a relapse, or enrolling in or currently participating in a clinical trial for active oncology treatment or a treatment innovation not available at their local institution. Applications must be submitted by a social worker or medical representative. 
• Childhood Cancer Treatment Journal is a free treatment organizer for families of childhood cancer to help parents keep track of important treatment information.
• Ambassadors Program involves family members and friends of a childhood cancer hero who choose to get more involved with ALSF.
• My Childhood Cancer: Survey Series aims to better understand how childhood cancer affects families.
• SuperSibs Programs aim to comfort, encourage and empower siblings during their family’s battle against childhood cancer.
• Offers a free guide for education professionals to help patients, their siblings, and classmates cope with a diagnosis or death in their school community.

Children and adolescents who are currently fighting cancer

To provide information and support for children and adolescents with cancer and their families, to provide grassroots leadership through advocacy and awareness, and to support research leading to a cure for all children diagnosed with this life-threatening disease.

• Provides support for parents with children fighting cancer both locally through its affiliates and online
• Offers books, medical play kit, comfort kit
• Online peer support and local groups in some geographic areas

U.S. and International, anyone affected by drug shortages

Angels for Change is a volunteer supported organization on a mission to end drug shortages through advocacy, awareness, and a resilient supply chain.

• The focus is to advocate on behalf of any patient in a life-saving drug shortage, while building relationships with patients and members of the pharmaceutical supply chain ending all healthcare crises created by drug shortages.
   

Patients and families living with Aplastic Anemia, Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH), and related bone marrow failure diseases

To support, connect and educate patients, caregivers and health professionals on bone marrow failure diseases worldwide

• Free educational materials: Information on research, treatment, and clinical trials
• Online Academy: Live webinars, webcasts, interviews with experts, and interactive learning modules
• Peer Support Network: Patients and caregivers can speak with trained patient volunteers who share treatment experiences and provide emotional support
• Community Connections: Volunteer-led regional support groups connecting patient and families
• Educational Conferences: Our free conferences in cities around the country offer learning opportunities from leading medical experts, and the ability to connect directly with other patients and caregivers
• Find A Specialist: online search tool.
   

Young cancer survivors who are parents or guardians of small children

To provide young cancer survivors who are parents of small children with a safe space for individual and familial healing, recovery, and reconnection.

• Offers a variety of virtual support groups and programs 
• Offers “Bright Box” art project kits to families with children 10 years old and younger
• Provides free age-appropriate books about dealing with big emotions, cancer and illness, and grief and loss, to the children of parents going through cancer
• Provides small grants to families/parents/caregivers in need. Priority is given to families with a child 6 years old and under (including those diagnosed while pregnant) where a parent or child’s primary caregiver is in active treatment or is a recent survivor (within 6 months of last treatment)
   

Individuals, families, caregivers and the bereaved in the U.S. affected by a cancer diagnosis

To provide free, professional support services to individuals, families, caregivers and the bereaved to help them cope with and manage the emotional and practical challenges of cancer. (English and Spanish)

• Professional resource navigators and oncology social workers are available to provide telephone resource navigation to people living with cancer, post treatment survivors, and caregivers affected by cancer.
• Offers short term counseling to residents of NY and NJ. 
• Offers online support groups, educational programs, and local community support programs.
• Healing Hearts Family Bereavement Camp - a free retreat for families with children coping with the loss of a loved one to cancer
• Financial assistance for transportation, home care, childcare, pet care (through PAW program), or medication/durable medical equipment may be available for patients in active treatment. Eligibility guidelines vary depending on diagnosis, gender, and geographic location. 
• Financial assistance for insured cancer patients in treatment in the US to help with co-payments for chemotherapy and targeted treatment medications who meet certain financial, medical and insurance eligibility criteria. Check the website for funding availability (http://cancercarecopay.org/) or call 866-552-6729 for details.

People affected by cancer in the U.S. and Canada

To provide support, education and hope to people affected by cancer; to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community.

• Offers support through a network of more than 52 local affiliates and 175 locations
• Cancer Support Helpline® - offers resources and emotional support via phone or live chat, and is staffed by licensed mental health professionals
• MyLifeLine - create a private, personal webpage to help keep family and friends stay involved and informed
• Frankly Speaking About Cancer® – education series that provides trusted information on a variety of topics important to people affected by cancer; information is available in a variety of formats
• Virtual Home - resources to connect you to education, support, and action opportunities to enhance your health and well-being from the comfort of your computer
• Open to Options – provides general information about clinical trials, helps patients identify important questions about treatment options and decisions based upon personal needs
• CancerSupportSource® - a tool that assesses distress in key areas (such as sleep, nutrition, worry about the future) and provides referral and follow-up care for all patients
• Cancer Experience Registry - a unique online community that brings people impacted by cancer together to make their voices heard, connect with each other, share experiences, learn from and help others
• Cancer Transitions – an evidence-based programs for cancer survivors who have completed their treatment (in partnership with LIVESTRONG)
   

Adolescent and young adult cancer patients and survivors

To guide young adults with cancer to social support programs and services that can help them manage their mental healing as well as their physical battle.

• Survivorship program in Northern Michigan consists of 6 days of adventure-based learning at no cost
• Travel Assistance for young adults to attend an approved survivorship program in the US
• Annual Base2Summit Scholarship for a Michigan resident who is accepted to an accredited school of higher learning; see website for details
• Lists a variety of survivorship resources related to support, finances, legal, etc.

Pediatric (age 4 and up) and adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in the US

To offer support and encouragement to cancer patients in treatment

• Volunteers send cards and uplifting messages to cancer patients via postal mail
• Website provides links to patient resources.

Children with cancer and their families in Canada

To create victories for Canadian children with cancer through investment in national, collaborative, lifesaving research, empowering education and community programs.

• Provides information and support for families of newly diagnosed children plus special events.
• Offers an emergency fund to children and young adult patients and families experiencing financial hardship. 
• Provides scholarships for childhood cancer survivors.
• Offers a benevolent fund to assist with funeral expenses.
   

Children with cancer and their families, survivors, healthcare professionals

As a part of Alex’s Lemonade Stand, the childhood cancer community publishes books that provide information, support, and resources. 

• Books feature stories from parents, children with cancer, and survivors of childhood cancers
• Covers various types of childhood cancers and their treatments, emotional support, helpful resources
   

Pediatric cancer survivors, families, healthcare professionals, and advocates

Children’s Cancer Cause is a leading national advocacy organization working to achieve access to less toxic and more effective pediatric cancer therapies; to expand resources for research and specialized care; and to address the unique needs and challenges of childhood cancer survivors and their families.

• Offers college scholarship for pediatric cancer survivors who demonstrate a commitment to cancer advocacy
• Provides information and resources for pediatric cancer survivors and families
• Supports research and advocacy efforts across the country
   

Terminally ill children throughout the United States, diagnosed with cancer and in the late stages of their illness, who qualify as low income or financially needy PRIOR to diagnosis, are 18 years old or younger (however, if child is 21 or younger and was diagnosed with their cancer before turning 18 and is still being treated in a pediatric facility, the patient may still qualify), and the application must be submitted by the referring hospital or hospice are team.

Provides anonymous assistance to financially struggling families throughout the country with children in the final stages of terminal cancer, allowing them to create everlasting memories with their child.  Provides direct financial assistance depending on the needs of the child/family.

Children and adolescents ages 5-18 impacted by serious illness in the US

To improve the social and emotional wellbeing by providing free online & in-person arts and athletic lessons.

• Offers 1:1 or group instruction in English and Spanish in a variety of activities including visual art, culinary arts, sports and fitness, music, literary arts, digital arts, science and more.
• Ships all materials, at no cost, directly to the participant. Lessons can be done from anywhere. 
   

Kids and young adult cancer patients/survivors ages 3-26

Connecting kids and young adults by teaming them up with a mentor or friend in a profession/field they are interested in or who shares their interests.

• In-person and virtual programs
• Activity kits provided

Families caring for children with serious illness and clinicians who support them. 

To orient and empower parents and others caring for children with serious illness, by providing resources and tools that reflect the experience and perspective of families and clinicians.

• Shares the voices of families through videos, podcasts, blog posts, and downloadable guides.
• Provides guidance on decision-making, advocating for your child, working with the medical team, caring for siblings, and more.
• Offers monthly educational events on a variety of topics.
• Website available in English and Spanish.

Pediatric and adult cancer patients, healthcare professionals

To provide a report to a patient’s oncologist of ranked drug therapies targeting cancer at the genomic level.

• Patients who have had genomic sequencing of a sample of cancer/blood can provide the results to CureMatch.  Their software will then analyze the data, compare it to other sources of information, and provide a report to the oncologist.
• The price of the report is free for children with cancer under age 18.

Children with cancer and their families

To fund and support targeted and innovative children's cancer research with measurable results, and be the authoritative source of information and resources for all those affected by children's cancer.

• Website offers information about tests and procedures, treatment options, medications, side effects and many other issues.

Patients with life-threatening illness and their caregivers

To increase the availability of quality palliative care services for all people living with serious illness. 

• Provides information about palliative care: specialized medical care which provides patients with relief from symptoms, pain and stress
• Explains how palliative care helps people with specific diseases
• Provides a directory of hospitals with palliative care teams
• Offers videos, blog, printed material and other resources including a quiz to help individuals know if palliative care is right for them.

Rare disease caregivers, military/veterans and their families, and other communities in need

To create resilient communities by improving mental health and emotional wellbeing, one hour at a time.

• Free individual mental health counseling services for military service members, veterans, and their loved ones. Services are donated by community mental health professionals.
• 1:1 Peer Support and Group Peer Support for the military community, as well as rare disease caregivers and individuals affected by interpersonal and community violence.

Critically ill children, ages 3 to 18 years living in the US with priority to children in the Northeast

To provide free laptops, tablets, and robotics to seriously ill children for educational purposes. 

• Provides laptops and other technology to children during treatment so they can continue their education and connect with their teachers as well as with family, friends, and medical providers
• Professional from child’s medical team must submit request.

Individuals and families facing cancer in the United States

To improve the lives of those affected by cancer

• Offers financial assistance to individuals with blood cancer; see website for eligibility criteria.
• Offers comfort kits to individuals with any type of cancer.
• Provides HeadtoHead peer support services to individuals with any type of cancer.
• Provides additional local support services and resources in Philadelphia, PA and New York area hospitals.

Children and adolescents with serious illness ages 6-18 (US and International)

Empowers children and teens with serious illnesses and complex health needs to make their voices heard through collaborative songwriting.

• Volunteers work with youth participants to guide them through writing their own song and then volunteer musicians/composers use the ideas to set the words to music and record the song.  Some youth just write the lyrics and others choose to sing on the recording themselves—the journey is up to them!
• All Programs are free of charge

Caregivers, patients, adolescents, young adults, adults, survivors, healthcare professionals

To create moments of joy, self-expression, and connection for those facing life-altering health challenges through arts engagement, advocacy, and innovation. 

• Provides virtual and in person art based programs in music, visual arts, literary arts, and movement.

Children in treatment for cancer in grades Pre-K through 12

Overcome the social isolation of children in treatment for cancer through technology

• Connects homebound children to their classmates and family at no cost to the participant or school via web cameras, internet and laptops.
• Child must be in active treatment and in grade Pre-K through 12th grade

Children and adolescents with cancer and their families in the U.S.

To explain a wide range of complicated cancer topics in a way that kids can understand. Because the more they understand about their treatment, the less scary it will be.

• Produced by the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, The Imaginary Friend Society is a short film series to help young patients make sense of the many different aspects of cancer.  It provides kid-friendly videos covering a wide range of cancer-related topics – everything from defining cancer itself to chemotherapy and MRIs.
• Videos are available in English and Spanish.
   

Children (ages 3-18+) with serious/chronic illness, siblings, as well as children of adult cancer patients

To ease the pain and trauma of children impacted by a serious illness while empowering them to heal physically, spiritually, and emotionally, by offering evidence-based martial arts therapy to kids. 

• Offers therapeutic martial arts classes through both virtual and in-person programming.
• All martial arts are non-contact and adapted to the needs of the child.
• Classes are offered globally and in multiple languages.

Children with life-threatening medical conditions that have reached the age of 2½ and are under the age of 18 at the time of referral. Children must be referred within one year of the end of treatment. Children must not have already have had a wish granted by any other wish granting organization.

The mission of Make-A-Wish America is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

• Every wish experience is driven by the wish child’s interests, creativity and personality.
• Healthcare professionals, parents, legal guardians, family members and potential wish recipients can initiate the referral inquiry process.
• The child's treating physician will be contacted to determine whether the child meets our eligibility criteria at the time they are referred.

Child and adolescent cancer patients in active treatment who reside in the U.S.

To create an engaging platform where young cancer patients can connect through a series of unique patches and animations created just for them.

• The Jacket/Tote Patch Program is a free program that provides each child with a jacket or tote and 20 of their favorite patches designed just for them. 
• Oliver Patch Project’s National Patch Day Program is a 365-day initiative that encourages everyone to send message of support and a FREE patch to any child or teen who may be facing physical and mental health challenges. 

Caregivers to children with cancer, healthcare professionals

To help empower, inform, and heal caregivers of children diagnosed with cancer through peer support and evidence-based programs.

• Provides online communities for parents seeking peer connections
• Retreat program offers a weekend of self-care,  peer connecting and the opportunity to develop the tools to obtain balanced living in the aftermath of a pediatric cancer diagnosis
• Caregiver Coffee Breaks empower a parent to build an in-person or virtual peer support community
• In-hospital support groups available in certain geographic areas
• Connects caregivers to patient family engagement opportunities and approved caregiver studies.

Kids and teens with cancer ages 6-18

Improve the lives of children with cancer through the arts and invests in underfunded, cutting-edge, pediatric cancer research.

• Pablove Shutterbugs: Located nationwide, and now virtually, this arts education program teaches children and teens living with cancer to develop their creative voice through the art of photography.
• Childhood Cancer Research which includes: Seed grants are awarded to the most innovative, groundbreaking childhood cancer researchers around the country and world, committed to improving treatment options and finding cures for childhood cancers. Accelerator Award is a joint venture between Pablove and a partner research institution, this award makes a significant investment in a single promising researcher, with the aim of catapulting their research forward.

Patients and caregivers

To empower people who are suffering with life-altering diseases by giving them the most comprehensive and up-to-date guides to treatment and facilities for their disease free of charge.

• Provides free educational materials, written for ease of understanding, in print and online.

Children and adolescents whose parent/guardian has cancer (US, Canada, and International)

To provide free peer-to-peer support and resources to kids affected by their parent or guardian’s cancer.

• In-person and virtual programs that support the wellbeing of kids of adult cancer patients
• "How to Talk to Kids About Cancer" kits and webinars
• Resource navigation for parents and caregivers on navigating cancer with kids at home

Families with kids fighting cancer anywhere in the United States

Helping kids with cancer and their families with financial and emotional support.

• Programs include Orange Envelope, All-Star Fund, and PACK Experience.  Each program has its own set of eligibility requirements, please see website for eligibility requirements and how to apply for support.
   

Children with any type of cancer and their families, supporters, researchers

To empower volunteers across the country to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research, to find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cures.

• Become a Rally Researcher- Supports research projects affiliated with Children's Oncology Group or supported by the National Institute of Health and the National Cancer Institute. Awards one year research grants through a rigorous competitive peer review process.
• Rally Family Emergency Fund- Offers financial assistance for children under age 21 in current cancer treatment. Fund has an annual cap of $500 and a lifetime cap of $750. Funds may be used to cover a patient's cancer-related medical bills or other family costs related to treatment, e.g. transitional housing.
• Become a Rally Kid- Personal stories of cancer patients and survivors, which are inspirational and encourage everyone to Rally in our efforts to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research.
• Rally Athlete Training Team- Provides independent athletes with personalized fundraising pages and the opportunity to run for a Rally Kid.

Children ages 8 to 18 with pediatric cancer or other life-threatening illness and their families, primarily in Colorado; other regions served include Arizona, Illinois, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Indiana

To transform lives through outdoor recreational and social programs for children and their families challenged with pediatric cancer or other life-threatening illness

• Provides a wide variety of year-round recreational and social activities free of charge
• Services are delivered through overnight, week-long programs and single day events
• Special focus is placed on children living with a physical or mental disability as a result of their treatment and/or disease.

Childhood cancer patients and survivors, and their families; healthcare professionals

To raise childhood cancer awareness, to offer programs that enhance the quality of life of children with cancer, and to fund childhood cancer research.

• Childhood cancer survivors or their siblings may inquire about possible scholarships for a college education.  Call or check website for details.
• Child-life specialists and social workers may refer children with cancer and their families for a variety of local programs and activities in the South Florida area
• Helps to fund pediatric cancer research.

Children and teens age 21 or younger, worldwide, battling a life-threatening or life-limiting physical, mental or emotional medical challenge

To provide uplifting songs for children and teens currently facing tough medical, physical or emotional challenges.

• Creates an original, personalized song, free of charge, based on the child’s interests and favorite music.

Children and teens with chronic or life-threatening medical conditions in the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Israel, Australia, New Zealand; teens ages 13-20 with medical issues worldwide and their teen siblings

Partners with experts to create programs that help brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families.

• Partner facilities offer in-hospital programs such as parties and entertainment
• Check with your child’s treatment center to see if a Starlight Comfort Kit is available (backpack filled with toys, games, books).

Children with cancer and their siblings age 3 ½ - 16

To bring back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings worldwide. Sunrise accomplishes this through the creation and oversight of welcoming, inclusive summer day camps, year-round programs and in-hospital recreational activities, all offered free of charge.

• Free day camps in multiple locations throughout the United States and Israel
• Free virtual Sunshine Day Camp program available to hospitalized pediatric cancer patients regardless of location
• In-hospital recreational programs in certain partner hospitals in the United States and Israel
• Video entertainment series focused on travel and exploration - Wheels Up! 

Children in the US ages 5 to 16 diagnosed with serious and chronic illnesses (including cancer) that has resulted in treatment or extended hospital stays within the past 3 years, who could benefit from a boost to improve their quality of life both socially and psychologically

To connect children facing serious and chronic illnesses with college teams, forming life-long bonds and life-changing outcomes

• Staff and team members build relationships with the children, and offer support and encouragement to the children as they face medical challenges.

Teens and young adults with cancer, survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals

To improve the experience, outcomes, and survival of teens and young adults with cancer by providing facilities and programs designed especially for them in hospitals across the USA.

• Partners with hospitals around the country to provide strategic guidance to establish specialized facilities and services for the teenage and young adult cancer community
• Offers stories, videos, a newsletter, and list of resources through the website.

Cancer and transplant patients and families, caregivers, survivors

To improve the quality of life for cancer and transplant patients and their families by providing vital financial assistance, comprehensive resources, educational information, physician referrals, and emotional support programs.

• CancerBuddy provides a user-friendly digital experience to help people affected by cancer across the US find buddies, share experiences and resources, provide support, and build a supportive community of peers
• Clinical Care Counseling provides confidential individual and family supportive counseling, financial guidance and resource referrals for cancer, transplant patients, and family members
• Patient Navigators provide guidance and support to anyone faced with a cancer diagnosis or needing a bone marrow transplant
• Ask the Expert enables individuals to anonymously pose questions concerning transplantation and to have them answered by transplant specialists
• Lifeline Fund provides financial support to help cover the costs of donor searches, medications, home and child care services, medical equipment, transportation, cord blood banking, housing costs and other expenses associated with transplant
• Carelines provides social media tools for crowdfunding, journaling and a volunteer task calendar for anyone with a cancer diagnosis or receiving a bone marrow, stem cell or cord blood transplant 
• Your Transplant Journey Handbook provides comprehensive transplant information and resources
   

Children with cancer and their families, caregivers, survivors, health professionals

To improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families worldwide.

• Provides financial and emotional support to families throughout the United States during their child’s cancer treatment. Financial assistance includes transportation fund and emergency assistance fund (See website for specific financial eligibility criteria.)
• The "Beyond the Cure" Survivorship Program (BTC) provides the most up-to-date information on survivorship to help survivors and their families adapt and celebrate life after diagnosis
• Online community provides a private network for parents, caregivers and survivors of childhood cancer to connect, share and offer support to one another
• Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship Program awards college scholarships to childhood cancer survivors who have demonstrated the ability to overcome the difficult challenges of cancer with determination and motivation; call or see website for details
• Provides resources to healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of childhood cancer and the many challenges associated with survivorship
• Global Outreach Program partners with pharmaceutical companies to distribute donated cancer treatment drugs and medical supplies around the world.
   

Families with children and adolescents facing cancer

Produced by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Together by St. Jude is an online resource providing information and education for families facing childhood and adolescent cancer, no matter where the patient receives treatment. The website offers trusted information, practical resources, and shared stories of hope and healing.

• Website offered in multiple languages
• Offers an online peer support platform for families
• Includes mini-site for adolescents and young adults ages 13-25 facing childhood cancer: Together Teens & 20s

Cancer survivors, previvors (individuals who are genetically predisposed to cancer), and caregivers

Twist Out Cancer provides psychosocial support to cancer survivors and their loved ones through creative arts programming. We are a global community that enables anyone touched by cancer to connect, create, support and inspire. 

• Virtual and in-person programming throughout the United States and various other countries.
• Brushes with Cancer: Program that matches those touched by cancer with artists to create a unique piece of artwork that reflects on their journey with cancer.
• Twistshops: Art therapy-focused workshops that promote healing, relaxation, and emotional recovery.
• Podcast featuring stories of extraordinary artists and courageous individuals who have been touched by cancer.

Children and adolescents ages 2 -19 years with cancer in the US

To bring joy and a unique experience to pediatric cancer patients by matching them with a "warrior" horse.

• Matches pediatric cancer patients with a horse that participates in the show ring.  Patients may visit their horse in person or virtually, and follow the horse’s journey in competitions.