Pediatric Cancer Family Support Program

A monkey is offered to all elementary children diagnosed with cancer to help bridge the transition from hospital to school.  It includes a teacher kit to help explain cancer in the classroom.

Our four charming life size puppets deliver an important message incorporating the virtues of Courage, Compassion, Respect, Kindness and Helpfulness by discussing the challenges faced by puppets Sophie and Matthew who are both coping with a cancer diagnosis and the side-effects of their treatment. Two different plays are available:

“Good Friends” for Grades JK-3

“The CCR Club” for grades 4-6

Resource material and follow-up worksheets are provided.

In-home art therapy, play therapy and music therapy for children with cancer and their siblings.

Newly diagnosed kits are made up and distributed to each family consisting of various gift cards and essentials.

Limited child, individual and couples therapy consultations

A monthly support group for children aged 4 to 7 and 8 to 12 who have a sibling diagnosed with cancer.  Sibling “Fun Days”  also occur about 4 times a year!  This program is funded by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.

Individual child and teen support may be arranged as needed.

A facilitated peer support group where parents can connect with one another and share in a supportive environment.  Children  participate in activities with Hearth Place staff and volunteers.

The Family Support evening gathers monthly on the 4th Thursday, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Pre-registration is required.

A 6 – 8 week support group for children aged 4 to 6 and 7 to 12 who are coping with the death of a loved one with cancer.

Individual child and teen illness or support may be arranged as appropriate.  Children’s bereavement kits are also available upon request.

Play Therapy is provided through a variety of therapeutic activities including Psychodrama, artwork, narrative work, sand tray, imagery, toys and materials. Play therapy helps children understand and express their emotions surrounding their cancer experience.  Our experienced play therapist offers individual sessions.

Music therapy is the skillful use of music and musical elements by an accredited music therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Children are encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings through music, with the help of a Music Therapist. Individual and group sessions are available to the child with cancer and siblings.

Art Therapy uses imagery, colour, and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process. Thoughts and feelings may be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate.

Art Therapy sessions are available to the child  with cancer and their siblings.

We offer several fun days each year for the entire family. These include racing with the Porsche Club of Canada, Song writing, Car Rally’s, Teddy Bear Picnic’s and an annual Christmas Party

Hearth Place has developed a tool called the Kid’s Care package for children whose parents have been diagnosed with cancer. Each package is a gift bag that includes an activity book for parents to work with their children and a parent’s guide filled with information about the age appropriate needs of the children, answers to common questions and a list of resources available in print, Internet and video.

If you are interested in receiving a Kid’s Care Package, please contact us and we will happily put one together for you to pick up at Hearth Place during our scheduled hours of operation. Children’s Bereavement kits are also now available. Please contact us for more information. These are supplied free of charge.

Kids Care is a program fully funded and made available by Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre. All rights are reserved.