Resources for Families of Patients with Cancer

Here, we understand that cancer affects the entire family. The treatment does, too. From the emotional impact of the diagnosis to the demands of new schedules, it touches almost every area of family life.

That’s why we put patients and their families at the center of everything we do. From the very beginning, our welcome coordinator can help with travel to accommodations and scheduling appointments, and we can help with everything from making treatment decisions to accessing resources. Whatever you need, our team will be there every step of the way.

Cancer support and resources for the whole family

A pediatric cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event. At the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, we do our best to ease the burden as much as possible. We offer many resources to help families cope and adapt to changes in their routines, and we can connect families with many more.

Outpatient care close to home

We want our patients to stay close to home whenever possible. That’s why we offer outpatient treatments at one of several infusion centers or with your referring provider.

Emotional support for cancer patients

Our psychologists, social workers and child life specialists offer emotional support through several programs, from day camps for siblings to support group evenings for the whole family. See our list of several overnight and day camps for cancer patients, siblings and families.

Our emotional support programs include:

• Beads of Courage®, which helps kids with cancer record and tell the story of their journey
• A comprehensive Wellness Program that helps families understand the impact of a cancer diagnosis and find ways of coping

Cancer genetics for the whole family

Genetic counseling helps patients and their family members understand how genetics impact their health and cancer risk. Our counselors can discuss the likelihood of specific genetic conditions based on the patient’s personal and family history, as well as options for genetic testing and targeted medical management strategies for prevention and early detection of future cancer.

Resources for the logistics of cancer

Our family health navigator coordinates financial respite for families surrounding transportation, medication and insurance, lodging and other financial concerns impacted by their child’s cancer diagnosis and ongoing intensive treatment.

Housing for families of cancer patients

Many of the patients and families we see travel long distances for care, often from out of state. For families who need it, we can help with several long-term accommodation options. The Family Resource Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado manages private respite rooms (based on availability) for parents and guardians located in the hospital. A sanctuary for mindfulness and emotional health, the Family Resource Center offers a warm, welcoming space for parents and families.

Brent’s Place

Families needing long-term accommodations near our the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora have direct access to private apartments at Brent’s Place, a “safe-clean” housing facility specifically designed for immunocompromised patients, such as those who have undergone bone marrow transplantation.

Ronald McDonald House

The Ronald McDonald House also offers local accommodations in a facility that houses up to 45 families a night. It has three large kitchens, laundry facilities, TV lounges, play areas indoors and out, computer rooms and a patio. Watch to see how Ronald McDonald House made a difference for Ava's family.

Resources and information about pediatric cancer

Families with a cancer diagnosis have access to a vast wealth of information and resources, including state and federal programs, national and local foundations and hundreds of diagnosis-specific organizations — all on the Internet.

Many of these resources have specific eligibility criteria. Our social workers can help you access information on resources and financial assistance, and your medical team can guide you on gathering the necessary medical information.

Learn more about our Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders

Additional cancer resources for families

We connect families to resources for coping with the challenges of pediatric cancer, both inside and outside the hospital.

Children's Colorado Family Health Library

Our Family Health Library is a trove of information on parenting, child development and medical illnesses in children. Located on the first floor of the hospital, the library is open to parents, educators, healthcare professionals and children. Anyone can check out books and return them through most libraries in Colorado.

Children’s Oncology Group

The Children’s Oncology Group partners with research scientists from around the world to understand the causes of cancer and pioneer more effective treatments for children, adolescents and young adults with cancer. This group is a great resource for information to support children and their families from the time of diagnosis, through treatment and after.

CureSearch

CureSearch for Children's Cancer funds and supports pediatric cancer research and provides information and resources to anyone affected by pediatric cancer.

Colorado Kids Cancer Association

The Colorado Kids Cancer Association’s website is a great source of detailed information about camps, financial assistance resources, educational resources, lodging and much more.

MyLifeLine.org

Through MyLifeLine.org, you can create a free, private website to coordinate volunteers, make donation requests and update friends and family on your progress through cancer diagnosis and treatment.

2bMe

2bMe is the online component of the Look Good…Feel Better® program. Targeted toward adolescents ages 13 to 17 who have cancer, the program is a resource for coping with appearance-related, social and nutritional side effects of treatment.

Other helpful websites for cancer patients and families:

• Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation
• American Cancer Society
• American Childhood Cancer Organization
• BMT InfoNet
• Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation
• Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation
• Imerman Angels
• Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America
• National Cancer Institute
• St. Baldrick's Foundation
• Stupid Cancer
• The National Children’s Cancer Society

Get camp and scholarship resources for kids with cancer and cancer survivors.