Mental Health Resources
Alongside the numerous challenges families encounter after a childhood cancer diagnosis, we recognize that the mental health and well-being of the child and everyone else in the family can be deeply affected and is oftentimes overlooked. We've carefully selected these trusted organizations to support you on your journey. These organizations offer valuable support services and information for families facing childhood cancer. We encourage you to explore these resources and reach out to any organization that might be able to help your family.
For Children
Childhood Cancer Hub by CAC2
A resource hub that is home to two curated, community-driven directories of organizations: the Hope Portal and Better Together. The Hope Portal displays non-profit organizations that help children and teens with cancer and their families during treatment, while Better Together lists organizations that offer survivorship resources.
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Coping with Childhood Cancer Kit
A free kit that provides education to patients and families on how to manage their stress and anxiety during their treatment journey. This comprehensive kit includes calming activities and practical tools for the whole family.
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Children’s Mental Health Matters Campaign: Resource Library
An online Resource Directory full of curated toolkits, activity sheets, and information to support children across their lifespan, covering a variety of topics related to children's mental health.
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American Childhood Cancer Organization
A collection of free resources made specifically for the unique struggles of children with cancer and their loved ones, including medical play and comfort kits, books, coloring pages, and the Cozy Cat plushie.
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Gamerosity: Hero Packages
A nonprofit that provides thoughtfully curated backpacks full of gifts called Hero Packages to children with cancer by facilitating community funded campaigns where friends, family, neighbors, and loved ones can collectively support the child to provide something special during a tough time.
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When a Kid Like Me Fights Cancer by Catherine Stier
When Ben finds out he has cancer, he learns a lot right away. He learns that cancer is something you fight, and that cancer isn't anyone's fault. He discovers that many things change with cancer, but some of the most important things stay the same, and everyone around him wants to help him fight.
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The Dot Method
An interactive workbook tool that uses hands-on activities to make cancer less scary, less confusing, and more approachable for kids and caregivers. Created by Certified Child Life Specialist and Therapist, Kelsey Mora
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Braving Neuroblastoma Toolkit
Braving Neuroblastoma is a free kit for patients who have been diagnosed with neuroblastoma and their families, which includes materials that are written in a simple way to help explain neuroblastoma and what patients can expect on their treatment journey.
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A Moment of Magic Foundation
Provides various mental health and wellness resources for medically vulnerable children and their families, including virtual and in-person programming, care packages and bravery bags, and the Express, Create, Heal program, which focuses specifically on childhood cancer.
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Paul and the Dragon Video
A powerful 25 minute video created to help children understand the world of childhood cancer in a safe way, with humor but also with truth. Through watching Paul’s battle with his dragon, the child with cancer will understand that scary things will happen to them as they fight their “cancer-dragon.”
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CureSearch for Children’s Cancer: Brave Barbie
CureSearch, in partnership with Mattel, are able to provide Brave Barbies to pediatric cancer patients, helping children better understand their hair loss and providing a "friend" through treatment and beyond.
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For Teens/Young Adults
CancerBuddy: Peer Support App
CancerBuddy provides a user-friendly digital experience to help people affected by cancer across the US find buddies to share similar experiences, resources, educational information, emotional support, and a supportive community.
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F*** Cancer: Life After Cancer
Guides and resources for “life after cancer”, covering a wide array of topics (i.e. relationships, finding support, grief, patient/doctor communication).
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Shadow’s Edge: Mobile Game
A free mobile game created to help teens and young adults deal with mental or emotional challenges through a therapy-based narrative structure.
Ages served: teens, young adults, adults
CAC2 Survivorship Toolkit: Transitioning to Adulthood
This section of the CAC2 Survivorship Toolkit specifically addresses childhood cancer survivors transitioning from childhood to adulthood, highlighting the challenges they face and the available support resources
Stupid Cancer
Stupid Cancer's video vault features discussion videos and webinars covering countless topics on mental health for those either currently going through treatment or are on their survivorship journeys. New content is added regularly to stay current.
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Young Survival Coalition
Articles, support resources, educational materials, and guides for various topics regarding life after breast cancer. Their online community connects young survivors through discussion boards, virtual meetups and educational content.
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Childhood Cancer Hub by CAC2
A resource hub that is home to two curated, community-driven directories of organizations: the Hope Portal and Better Together. The Hope Portal displays non-profit organizations that help children and teens with cancer and their families during treatment, while Better Together lists organizations that offer survivorship resources.
Cactus Cancer Society
A safe space where young adults (ages 18-45) facing cancer can connect, cope, and thrive with one another in an online community through creativity and expression