KidsCan! Support Group

Children sometimes need help understanding and coping with their feelings and emotions when their loved ones are going through the stress of a cancer diagnosis, and treatment.

A Safe and Supportive Environment for Children Ages 4 Through Middle School
KidsCAN! provides an outlet for children and teens to talk about their experiences coping with a parent’s cancer with trained facilitators in a safe, protected environment. During the monthly meetings, children and teens are grouped by age and participate in discussions and therapeutic activities that help them learn about cancer, treatment, and side effects. Connecting with their peers helps them feel less isolated and alone. Each month focuses on a different theme, such as:

• what is cancer
• changes in family life
• feelings 
• hope
• cooperation at home

Our Parenting with Cancer support group also meets online each month. Trained facilitators help parents discuss the impact their cancer is having on their children and the challenges of supporting children and teens as it relates to their illness. Topics also include how to maintain ongoing, age-appropriate conversations about cancer and treatments, and how to help their children express their feelings and concerns. Participating in Parenting with Cancer can help parents find community and support from other parents who are patients and their partners who are going through similar experiences.

When your family registers for KidsCAN!, parents will automatically be registered for the virtual Parenting with Cancer support group.

The Duke Cancer Patient Support Program and private gifts generously support this program.