One of the most devastating things a parent can hear is that their child has cancer. It is a diagnosis that often leaves parents feeling lost and alone, unsure of what to expect and how to best help their kids. Children can be overwhelmed and scared. Luckily there is a save haven for these families... the Children's Cancer Center.
Founded in 1974, the Children's Cancer Center's mission is to provide children who have cancer or chronic blood disorders and their families in the Tampa area with the emotional, financial and educational support necessary to cope with their life-threatening illnesses.
The Center offers programs and support groups for the entire family as they battle this disease. There are programs aimed at alleviating some of the initial anxiety experienced by newly diagnosed patients and families, programs that address the unique issues facing teenage patients who are too old to benefit from children's programs and yet too young to participate in adult programs. There is a Big Buddy Mentoring program that pairs 2nd year med students with the brothers and sisters of patients. This program gives siblings special one-on-one time and attention and teaches them to cope with the the issues their brother or sister if facing while providing valuable hands on experience to the 2nd year med students on how an illness affects the entire family.
The Center has a large rec room currently decked out in a groovy 70's theme for camp.
Founded in 1974, the Children's Cancer Center's mission is to provide children who have cancer or chronic blood disorders and their families in the Tampa area with the emotional, financial and educational support necessary to cope with their life-threatening illnesses.
The Center offers programs and support groups for the entire family as they battle this disease. There are programs aimed at alleviating some of the initial anxiety experienced by newly diagnosed patients and families, programs that address the unique issues facing teenage patients who are too old to benefit from children's programs and yet too young to participate in adult programs. There is a Big Buddy Mentoring program that pairs 2nd year med students with the brothers and sisters of patients. This program gives siblings special one-on-one time and attention and teaches them to cope with the the issues their brother or sister if facing while providing valuable hands on experience to the 2nd year med students on how an illness affects the entire family.
The Center has a large rec room currently decked out in a groovy 70's theme for camp.
They have painted the walls with chalkboard paint where the kids can write messages to each other.
Families can meet with each other to share experiences and support each other.
There are video games and movies and a huge closet full of dress up clothes.
The place is full of children - patients and their siblings - just being kids.
This beautiful girl is Abby.
She has a twin brother named Noah. Noah is a survivor.
The Children's Cancer Center has made a difference in both of their lives.
This amazingly adorable little girl is Maddie. She is full of life with a sweet smile and a gentle nurturing personality.
Shawn is your typical little boy who likes to play games.
Maya is one of the many siblings that comes to the center.
The Children's Cancer Center is a place of refuge and hope for the whole family and Shriner from WMTX 100.7 (my darling husband) and I are proud to support this amazing organization.From more information on how you can help log on to www.childrenscancercenter.org.
1 comment:
I wish we'd been able to be there on Tuesday when you were snapping away. We are a CCC family and it's always fantastic to see the support and acclaim they get, because they deserve every bit of it and more. They have been an extraordinary part of our lives throughout the cancer journey and we are so blessed to have them all. They are family.
Thank you so much for the beautiful pictures you took, I'll bet you got a lot because there are some great little models there. These kids learn the sound of a shutter click FAST!
What a blessing these pictures will be to the families.
All the best,
Anissa
www.hope4peyton.org
www.onevoiceproject.ning.com
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