Cancer support and survivorship

Despite the rarity of pediatric cancer, there is still a strong need for child and family support for those who are diagnosed. There are a number of local, regional and national childhood cancer support services and resources. They are geared toward supporting your child and your family, ranging from wish-granting to needs-based organizations.

The needs-based organizations help with everything from financial support to basic living needs, like rent and grocery assistance. Because the eligibility criteria vary so drastically between organizations, our social worker and care team are here to help you determine if your child qualifies for support. Through a continuum of care, our inpatient and outpatient social work teams follow your child throughout the course of their treatment.

If your child has cancer, your whole family can find support through our child life specialists who offer assistance to your family and child during nearly every stage of the treatment process. Child life specialists provide activities to normalize the hospital environment during both inpatient hospital stays and outpatient visits.

For your child or teenager who is undergoing cancer treatment, our child life specialists can use virtual reality technology, arts and crafts, movies, games and other activities to help normalize the hospital environment. Child life specialists also engage your child in techniques, which help to minimize stress and anxiety during treatments and visits.

If your child or teen has a blood disorder, the treatment process can be difficult and emotional. Child life specialists work with parents, siblings and your child to help facilitate positive coping techniques and educate about diagnosis, hospitalization and treatment. Additionally, these specialists coordinate with community organizations that provide resources for therapeutic activities to help your child and family cope with treatments.

Our hospital has partnered with the Children’s Oncology Group to allow our physicians to participate in cancer clinical trials. Our physicians provide access for your child to participate in new and upcoming trials to help other patients with the same type of cancer. Additionally, your child will have access to treatments before they become widely available as well as additional services from our physicians.

As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.

askSARAH helpline

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (303) 253-3225.