What can I say? The topic of cancer is too big and too hairy (no pun intended) for any one person or family to tackle alone. Check out these additional resources for more organizations that will support all of you…big and small.
www.dana-farber.org
This comprehensive website for the Dana Farber Family Connections Program covers a variety of topics that are helpful and relevant to families in which a parent has been diagnosed with cancer. Among other resources, this site covers the most common questions from both parents and their children and has a complete listing of common cancer words and their definitions.
www.campkesem.org
Camp Kesem provides children ages 6-13 a place to be a kid and be surrounded by new friends that share hte experience of living with a parent affected by cancer. It is free to campers, non-therapeutic and led by college student volunteers. Camp Kesem expects to serve 1,000 young campers in the Summer of 2009.
www.beingcancer.net
“A community of people whose lives have been transformed by cancer” …a website by Dennis Pyrtiz, a former cancer nurse who is also a cancer and bone marrow transplant survivor. This is one of the most complete communities of cancer bloggers and websites that I have found.
www.someoneiloveissick.com
This website features a book written by a child life specialist with over thirty years of experience addressing the special needs of children facing serious medical events. In particular, check out the special section on “Talking to your children about cancer.”
www.cancer.gov
The National Cancer Institute’s website provides accurate, up-to-date information about many types of cancer, information about clinical trials, resources for people dealing with cancer and information for researchers and health professionals. Also check out their many publications including, When Your Parent Has Cancer: A Guide for Teens.
www.cancerdirectory.com
A website devoted to helping to find the best cancer information on the Internet: websites, blog and news.
www.youngcancerspouses.org
A website that connects young cancer spouses for support and information.
www.cancer.org
The website of the American Cancer Society has extensive information for talking to children about diagnosis, treatment, disease progression and recurrence, terminal illness, psychosocial support and bereavement issues.
www.everythingchangesbook.com
Website for the book, Everything Changes, The Insider’s Guide to Cancer in your 20s and 30s. Also an excellent blog and site for young adult cancer and the unique needs of this population.
www.bosplace.org
A bereavement center offering grief support services to children of all ages.
www.kidskonnected.org
Addressing the needs of children in families affected by cancer.
www.familiesfacingcancer.org
A website that provides” practical and emotional support for people in the fallout zone”. Also features the book, “Their Cancer, Your Journey”.
www.standbyher.org
A website from John W. Anderson who has experienced breast cancer as a son, a brother, a husband and a friend. Features the book, “Stand by Her”, and a forum for men to connect with other men in similar circumstances.
Your Brain After Chemo: A Practical Guide to Lifting the Fog and Getting Back Your Focus
A book written by Daniel Silverman, MD, PhD and Idelle Davidson, which explains the increasing body of evidence supporting the cognitive effects of cancer and which provides coping strategies for those who are experiencing the fog.