National Resources for Families facing Pediatric Cancer (during treatment)

American Childhood Cancer Organization – This organization gives you the chance to become an ACCO family allowing you to obtain resources designed specifically for you and your child, receive guidance and support from other ACCO families having the same experiences, and access to their “Inspire” on-line community open 24 hours a day for questions or just a listening ear.
Alex’s Lemonade State Treatment Journal – This journal can be used to help parents organize and keep track of treatment for their children. There are many different features to ease the confusion of the treatment process. Both a hard copy and online version are available.
Camp Sunshine – Camp Sunshine was intended to provide respite for children who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families. It is located on Maine’s Sebago lake. Many different recreational activities as well as support groups are offered, and medical and psychological support are both available on site. Sessions include activities for all age groups and can range from 3 to 6 days long.
Cancer.net – This section of cancer.net lists and explains different treatment options for pediatric cancer families, as well as providing a comprehensive guide on childhood cancer.
Childhood Cancer Guides – This is a 501(c)(3)nonprofit that publishes award-winning books for families of kids with cancer and survivors of childhood cancer. Their books are a mix of accurate medical information that is reviewed by renowned experts in pediatric oncology and true stories—practical, poignant, moving, funny—from hundreds of children with cancer, their siblings, and their parents. Their guides empower families with knowledge, practical suggestions, emotional support, and helpful resources.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia – Provides literature regarding treatment for childhood cancer as well as information on how to purchase the “cellie coping kit” developed to help children learn about and understand what is happening.
Children’s Oncology Group – Has a downloadable family handbook that includes information about “treatment, support, and follow up care” for pediatric cancer. Information on how to get a physical copy of this handbook from a COG location is also available.
Coalition Against Childhood Cancer – CAC2 has a goal to create a childhood cancer community among its organization. The website has various family resources such as the Hope Portal which gives different kinds of assistance to children with cancer and their families. Also a resource called Family to Family, where you can send in your story and concerns to be matched with another family who has been down your same path.
Cure Childhood Cancer – This organization provides families with an Early Outreach Program, Open Arms Meal Program, and continuously raises money for their Family Emergency Fund. Also Cure provides other programs to help with holidays, celebrations, and home assistance.
Gabe’s Chemo Duck Program – This program is intended to help alleviate anxiety for children in treatment. In order to receive your duck for free they ask that you submit a form (available on their website) through the child life specialist at your hospital. In some cases the hospital will already have Chemo Duck’s available on site. Each duck comes with a backpack and books.
Hope Cam – Hope Cam provides the ability for children who are unable to attend school to continue to socialize with their classmates through the use of webcam technology. Hope Cam gives the child with a tablet computer with attached webcam, fully set up and ready to connect to their teacher and classmates through skype. They also provide the school with a webcam, and if necessary will provide a laptop for the school to use as well. Hope Cam also takes care of coordinating with both you and the school for the best time to video chat.
Icing Smiles – An organization that provides celebration cakes/desserts to families that have children facing a critical illness. A child may receive one cake per year while eligible. Cakes may also be ordered to siblings, up to two cakes to be ordered during two separate years while eligible.
Monkey In My Chair – Many children fighting pediatric cancer have to spend time away from school while they are in treatment. Monkey In My Chair works to make this process easier and more understandable for these children, their fellow classmates, and their teachers by providing them with a stuffed monkey to stay in the child’s seat while they are away. Each monkey wears a backpack that is filled with resources.
Pediatric Oncology Resource Center – Grants access to a wide range of information for parents including a database to search online journals for detailed information on specific issues. Is also run by parents who have had or currently have children with pediatric cancer.

Local Resources

RACSB provides mental health services to the community. Our FGP families get moved to the top of the list.
Children’s National offers pediatric oncology care at their Fredericksburg location.
Regional Cancer Center is able to to blood draws, and port flushes for pediatric cancer patients whose pediatrician has rights at RCC. (Reach out to FGP for more details)