KidsCan! Program

KidsCan! is a program designed to support children ages six to 18 who have a parent or significant caregiver with the diagnosis of cancer.

This program provides opportunities for kids to express their feelings thorough various activities in a safe and protective environment with a trained facilitator.

They will have an opportunity to discuss their feelings with other children who are going through a similar experience, which can help them not feel so alone. Parents will meet separately with a facilitator to discuss family issues.

Each month the KidsCan! group will focus on a different theme (such as understanding cancer, changes, inside and outside feelings, memories, new beginnings, love, and family). The children will work on an activity that helps make the theme visual for them, and will discuss the theme with the facilitator.

Kids think differently than adults. When families go through the stress of a cancer diagnosis, the children in the family sometimes need extra help understanding and coping with their feelings and emotions.

While the children meet, the parents discuss areas of importance to them, such as how do children perceive illness, separation and loss. The adults discuss how they are making adjustments to the family activities to accommodate mom or dad’s illness. They help support each other in parenting skills during this stressful time in the family.

The facilitator will address areas of growth and development that children experience in order to understand how they can help their children at home.

KidsCan! Monthly Meetings

Get details about meetings.

Program Funding

This program is generously supported by the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program, the Holt Foundation, and private gifts.

About the Holt Foundation

Established in 1999, the Holt Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity established to provide education and support for the entire family affected by the diagnosis of cancer and its treatment. The Foundation strives to be a positive influence on the lives of those struggling with cancer in all of its forms in honor of the late Ojetta Holt-Shoffner. The Holt Foundation strives to provide assistance, with a focus of efforts on the communication, education and leadership, for children who are dealing with their parent’s illness. See www.holtfoundation.com for additional information.