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Children's Cancer Support Groups

Support groups for children with cancer give kids the opportunity to spend time with others like them, who are experiencing the challenges of living with the disease. Many children's programs focus on allowing kids to play and have fun in an environment where parents can feel at ease knowing proper medical care is available. Older children and teens can find additional support through social networking aimed at youths with cancer.

  1. Starlight Children's Foundation

    • Starlight Children's Foundation focuses on improving the quality of life for children with cancer and other chronic or life-threatening illnesses. Some programs entertain, others educate and some provide kids and their families with support. For children with cancer and their families, Starlight offers Great Escapes. Great Escapes are organized activities and events that include picnics, sporting events, mother/daughter makeovers or movie screenings. The events bring kids and families together to have fun and relax with others who are in similar life situations dealing with cancer and treatment.

      Starlight Children's Foundation also offers a social networking Web site for teens ages 13 through 20 who have cancer or another serious illness, and their siblings. The site has chat rooms that are moderated, games, videos, contests and other features. Teens can retain a sense of normalcy and social interaction while receiving support from others in similar situations.

    Chai Lifeline

    • Chai Lifeline is an organization that provides events, activities, programs and summer camps for children with cancer and other serious illnesses and their families. Chai Lifeline has programs in five regions throughout the United States. Some activities Chai provides include overnight camps that are medically supervised. Camp Simcha is specifically for kids with cancer and other hematological diseases, and it gives children a classic camp experience while taking into consideration special medical needs. Retreats and special activities throughout the year give kids and their families the opportunity to connect with others in a similar life situation.

    Gilda's Club

    • Gilda's Club is named after comedian Gilda Radner, who died in 1989 of ovarian cancer. Clubhouses exist throughout the country in cities big and small to give local community support to people of all ages who are dealing with cancer. Gilda's Club children's program is called "Noogieland." Each clubhouse has a special area where it provides activities for children with cancer and children who are close to someone with cancer. Some clubhouses may also offer events and activities for teens. "Family Focus" meetings are aimed at supporting all family members, including children.

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