When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it has a significant impact not only on the child, but parents, siblings and extended family as well. Our program practices family-centered care. Parents and family members are an integral part of the treatment team and are encouraged to be involved as much as possible. We believe that compassionate and skilled care involves addressing both the physical and emotional needs of the child and family. To address those needs, we have a wide range of free educational and support services to help families confront the challenges of having a child with cancer.

Children and Cancer: A Program for Parents

• Workshops for parents and families whose child has cancer. These programs are designed to provide information about aspects of childhood cancer.
• They are a time to share their experiences with other families in similar situations.
• Workshops are held in the evenings
• Contact: Elyse Levin-Russman, LICSW at 617 724-0757 for more information
• See Upcoming Calendar >>

Pediatric Oncology "Take Good Care Backpack Program"

• Packs are given to children and siblings when a child is newly diagnosed with cancer.
• Included in packs are informational, expressive and fun resources
• Materials for parents designed to help talk with your children about cancer.
• Parent information about coping

“My Story in Beads: Honoring a Child’s Journey Through Cancer Treatment”

• "My Story in Beads" begins at the time of cancer diagnosis and provides children an opportunity to document their treatment journey.
• Using different beads, children create a visual representation of their treatment experience.
• This program provides pediatric patients a means to tell their own stories and record them in a creative and tangible way.

School Re-entry Program
Services are provided to classmates and teachers on helping with the child with cancer return to school.

• The oncology nurse and pediatric social worker work with the patient’s school nurse and other staff to insure a safe return and smooth transition back to school
• Pediatric social workers, nurses and child life specialists are available to meet with the students and teachers at the school to help them understand the child’s illness and what specific needs the he/she may have upon returning to school.

Sibling Support Program
Committed to providing family centered care, the sibling support program addresses the psychosocial and educational needs of the entire family. Children, ages 7 - 12, meet monthly to addresses the needs of the siblings of pediatric cancer patients who are dealing with a seriously ill brother or sister. Parents meet concurrently to discuss their issues of living with a sick child.

• Honors the siblings' experience of living with a sick brother or sister
• Provides an emotional outlet and helps to promote a sense of community among the group's participants
• Contact: Elyse Levin-Russman, LICSW at 617 724-0757 for more information

Support For Families

• Social work services to help with family needs that arise when a child is being treated for cancer
• Assistance with temporary lodging for out of town families
• Holiday Party for families to connect and celebrate the season
• Referrals to Summer Camp programs for cancer patients
• Look Good . . . Feel Better for Teens
• Collaboration with “Make a Wish” Foundation for special wishes for children in treatment
• Bereavement support and follow-up

Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Family Advisory Committee
MassGeneral Hospital for Children operates within a framework of a family centered approach to care. Families’ input and perspectives about their child’s care are not only respected, but also encouraged. In addition, families’ recommendations are integrated into hospital decision-making around policies, program development and facility design.

Some of the goals of the Pediatric Advisory Committee are to:

• Foster a partnership between parents and professional staff
• Identify psychosocial needs not currently being addressed
• Be an available network for other parents within the pediatric hematology and oncology practice
• Create a system of support for families with children who have cancer
• Contact: Elyse Levin-Russman, LICSW at 617-724-0757 for more information