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.
