Looking for pediatric cancer support for you and your child? To help, we’ve compiled a list of apps and resources that can help you navigate life with cancer, get the support you need, and learn more about your child’s diagnosis.
Living with Cancer
Cancer.Net Mobile. This app helps you keep up with chemotherapy appointments, new symptoms, medications, providers, and questions. Developed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
CaringBridge is an online space where you can privately and safely share your child’s health journey with family and friends.
Lotsa Helping Hands is an app that gives you a centralized place to coordinate meals and help from friends and family.
New Normal Navigator App supports parents and caregivers as they adjust to a new normal after returning home from the hospital.
Services for You and Your Child
Air Care Alliance (ACA). The third most common barrier to care is transportation. ACA can arrange free air transportation for patients requiring medical treatment that isn’t accessible where you live.
The Brain Bodega offers a non-profit discount for pediatric oncology patients. They’ll match you with a one-on-one tutor who can help your child stay up-to-date on schoolwork.
The Brain Tumor Network provides pediatric navigation services, connecting you with pediatric neuro-oncology navigators who educate, support, and empower you to participate in shared decision-making with your child’s care team.
Ronald McDonald House Charities offers housing for parents of children undergoing medical treatment so they can stay close to their hospitalized child without incurring hotel and food costs. It also provides family room programs in the hospital and other support.
For Children with Cancer
Children’s Oncology Camping Association (COCA). Find camps that serve individuals and families affected by childhood cancer.
The Locks of Love Foundation provides hairpieces to children under the age of 21 who are suffering from hair loss.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children between the age of 2.5 to 18 years who have been diagnosed with a critical illness.
Mentoring, Support, and Healing
The American Childhood Cancer Organization provides peer-to-peer mentoring that expands your community of support. It matches parents with caregivers, and young adult patient/survivors and young adult siblings with trained mentors.
BELONG – Beating Cancer Together is an app that lets you chat directly with world-renowned oncologists and clinical researchers or join support groups for patients and caregivers based on the cancer type.
Create to Heal is an app that helps you heal by taking you gently from your head to your heart. It has music tracks, guided meditations, pieces of art, and inspirational messages. Tested in hospitals and cancer centers over a five-year period.
Hope Amidst Sorrow: A Bereaved Parents Seminar. This seminar was delivered on July 29, 2022, by Dr. Chris Feudtner, Chief of General Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for parents who have lost a child to cancer.
Imerman Angels is a one-on-one cancer support community that provides personalized cancer support for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. They match you with a Mentor Angel, a confidante with a similar story and experience, so you can talk to someone who truly understands what you’re going through.
M.I.S.S. Mothers in Sympathy and Support. Find quick access to counseling resources, advocacy information, research on grief, and human-animal support.
Education
Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States. This site has reports, studies, and factsheets that can help you understand brain tumors. Fair warning: While it’s very informative, it’s also very technical.
National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS) offers publications, webinars, helpful links, and special information for families dealing with a pediatric brain tumor diagnosis.
Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium Foundation (PBTCF) raises funds for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium, which conducts laboratory and clinical research to improve treatments and find cures for pediatric brain tumors. This site lists clinical trials.
Triage Cancer shares resources on practical and legal issues that are important to families navigating a cancer diagnosis.
Financial Assistance
The IronMatt Family Assistance Program supports families in need of financial assistance. We are one of only a few foundations that give direct assistance to families regardless of their socio-economic status, the type of brain tumor (malignant or benign), or the progress of the disease.
To learn more and apply to the program, please visit this page.
