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Pediatric oncology support groups

This support group at Wesley Children's hospitals enables pediatric cancer patients and their families to gather and support one another during diagnosis and treatment.

Support group goals

The goal of these support groups is to provide a place where patients and their families can meet and support one another through the difficulties of diagnosis, treatment and life change associated with childhood cancer. Separate groups will be provided for oncology patients, parents and siblings of patients.

Long-term goals include:

  • Allowing patients, parents and siblings to connect and talk with other families walking the path through childhood cancer
  • Encouraging, inspiring and comforting children and their families
  • Recognizing, celebrating and commemorating patients and families at important milestones
  • Educating children and families about navigating the difficult emotions associated with childhood cancer

    Pediatric oncology support groups at Wesley Children's Hospital

    Through a partnership with Real Life Counseling, this program serves children and their families. The counseling staff includes licensed and trained therapists and play therapists, specializing in children, teens, young adults, couples and families. This program is provided at no cost to families.


    What is a support group?

    A support group is made up of people who are experiencing the same type of life event or stressor, gathering together to share their experiences and support one another. Oncology support groups are facilitated by a licensed therapist, and families will learn how to respond to all of the stress and changes that come about as a result of experiencing cancer. The support groups are safe and confidential setting for families who are affected by his life-altering event.


    Pediatric oncology patient support groups

    Pediatric oncology patients will meet other kids going through some of the same things they are. Age appropriate groups will talk, do art and play activities, focused on helping them learn to work through change and deal with emotion and stress.

    Pediatric oncology parent support groups

    Participants will be able to meet other parents with similar experiences as caregivers of their children with cancer. They will learn they are not navigating this journey alone, and benefit from the support and experience of others.

    Pediatric oncology sibling support groups

    Siblings of patients have their own unique experience when their brother or sister is going through cancer. This special group will allow them to share their experiences and get to know others going through some of the same situations.


    You are invited!

    All pediatric (under the age of 18) oncology patients, parents and siblings are invited to participate in support groups, regardless of physician or hospital, and no matter what stage of treatment or follow-up care. Even if you are not a patient at Wesley Children’s Hospital, you are still invited to join! There is no charge to participate.

    Patient Support Group

    Meets every other Wednesday

    This Patient Support Group meets every other week on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. in the Wesley Children’s Hospital Lobb.

    Parent/Sibling/Patient Support Groups

    Meet the last Monday of the month

    Three separate groups (patient/parents/siblings) all meet the last Monday of each month (except for December) at the same time (7 p.m.) in different parts of the Wesley Children’s Hospital lobby.