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A primary concern for many families after diagnosis is feeling that they are ill-prepared for the emotional, physical, and long-term consequences that come with pediatric cancer. Connecting families with support early on in their cancer journey can help mitigate negative outcomes. Some areas of support to consider are providing families with reliable and up-to-date medical information such as:
Information on diagnosis
Treatment outline
Links to peer-reviewed research
How to administer particular treatment at home or out of the hospital
How to dress wounds
Families connected to mental health services early on have also increased positive outcomes. Connecting families with mental health professionals and social support can be integral in resilience during their cancer journey. This could look like:
Social workers (hospital staff)
Child life specialists
Trauma-informed licensed therapists
Support groups
Family/couples therapy
Many families will be living out of suitcases, so to speak, at the hospital or other facilities during treatment. Many of these families may be unfamiliar with the area and could benefit from being connected to:
Local pharmacies
Hotels and lodging
Grocery stores
Food delivery services
You can find some of our resource pages here:
Connecting families with the “little things” that make life easier can also have a significant impact. Day-to-day items like car seats or strollers may contribute significantly to their ability to function. Some families may also need additional support with child care. Consider also referring families to nonprofits that assist with these different services.
Providing families with the right resources and support early in their pediatric cancer journey can make a profound difference in how they navigate the challenges ahead. By ensuring they have access to reliable medical information, mental health services, and everyday essentials, we can help ease the burden and foster resilience. Remember, it’s often the small, thoughtful connections—like knowing where to find a grocery store or securing safe child care—that can make the biggest difference in their daily lives.
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