For kids and/or teens

Common Questions for Teens
When Your Parent Has Cancer

Is it my fault?
Thoughts do not cause things to happen. Remember you did nothing to cause
your parent's cancer.

How can I learn more about what my parent is going through?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your parent’s cancer. No question
is silly or dumb. Be careful of seeking information on the internet. Not
all of it will be relevant to your parent's illness. Some people might
tell you about someone they know who has cancer. There are many types of
cancer so listening to what other tell you may be more confusing. Talk to
your parent(s) if you have concerns.

How do I find support?
Talk with someone you trust. This might be someone in your family, a
friend, or someone at school. Don't try to pretend that everything is OK.
Things will feel worse if you don’t express your feelings.

What can I do to help?
When a parent is ill there can be a lot of upheaval in the family. Certain
responsibilities and tasks might need to be changed. Because you are an
older member of your family, you might be in a position to help. Sit down
and talk about what you can do to help.

How can I reduce the stress that I feel?

* It can be helpful to check-in with your parent(s) about what is
happening. You can ask for updates or talk about how you or they are
doing.
* Remember everyone in your family needs to be flexible. There might
be some times where you need to spend time with your friends instead of
watching younger siblings or helping out. Try to keep a balance between
helping out, and having some space and time to be a teenager.

* Make sure you are eating and sleeping enough.
Getting some physical exercise every day will help you manage any
stress you are feeling.

Listening to music or reading can help you relax or unwind.
* Your friends might not know what to say. They may wonder how to talk
with you about your parent’s cancer. Tell your friends how they can help
support you.

* While it might seem that alcohol or other drugs will help you cope,
they really only cover up the pain. If you feel like you can't cope any
other way, please reach out to a trusted adult and ask for help. It will
make a difference in your life.

Do you have a list of websites, books, and other resources on helping kids
cope?
Information Finder on Helping Kids Cope

J wrote:

> When Your Parent Has Cancer
> Do you have a list of websites, books, and other resources on helping kids
> cope?

Books:
Use this list as a guide at your local library, bookstore or online
booksource. You can also find these books in our Cancer Resource Room.
When the Parent Has Cancer:

* Angel in Blue: The Story of Ashley Martin
by Jenny Haley, et al . Scholastic, 2002.

* best ever activity book
by Nick Beak, et al . Hermes House, 2001.

* Can I Still Kiss You: Answering Your Children's Questions About Cancer
by Neil Russell. Health Communications, Inc., 2001.

* Cancer in the Family
by Sue Heiney, et al.American Cancer Society, 2001.

* The Hope Tree: Kids Talk About Breast Cancer
by Laura Numeroff et al. Simon& Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1999.

* How to Help Children Through a Parent's Serious Illness
by Kathleen McCue MA. St. Martin's Griffin, 1994.

* Mommy Has Cancer
by Laura Okmin Russell. Publications International, 2003.

* Once Upon a Hopeful Night
by Risa Sacks Yaffe. Oncology Nursing Press, 1998.

* The Other America: Teens with Cancer
by Gail B. Stewart. Lucent, 2002

* Our Family Has Cancer Too!
by Christine Clifford. Pfeifer-Hamilton Publ., 1998.

* Our Mom Has Cancer
by A. & A. Ackerman. American Cancer Society, 2001.

* The Paper Chain
by Claire Blake, et al. Health Press, 1998.

* We Can Cope: Helping Parents Help Children when a Parent Has Cancer
by J. Bromberg, PsyD, C. McCabe. Innovative Training Systems, 2000.

* When Eric's Mom Fought Cancer
by Judith Vigna. Albert Whitman Co., 1993.

* When a Parent Has Cancer: A Guide to Caring for Your Children
by Wendy Harpham, MD. HarperCollins, 1997.


Helping Kids Cope

* Kids Konnected http://www.kidskonnected.org/
Kids Konnected's mission is to provide friendship, understanding, education,
and support for the children who have a parent with cancer, or have lost a
parent to cancer. When a parent gets cancer, the entire family is affected.
Children facing the same fears and similar experiences can be helped by others
in a similar situation.

http://www.rainbows.org/


* Connect With Others
http://www.supersibs.org/



http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Cance...rt/Usefullinks

Description A website especially for teens with cancer aged between
thirteen and sixteen. It is a non-medical site that deals with appearance
related, social and nutritional aspects of cancer treatments. It has lots of
helpful tips on hairloss, wigs, and skin care. It's colourful and nice to look
at and has good gimicks like a hat style finder.
URL http://www.2bme.org/2bMe.html

For Teens Only
Description An American site from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre.
Put together with the help of teenagers who have lived through the experience,
this website is designed to give teenagers the straight-up truth about what it
s like to have cancer as a teenager, while also giving them a place to share
some of their hopes, thoughts, and fears.
URL http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/3335.cfm

Kids Cancer Network
Description Website designed by a young cancer survivor, Kenon Neal. This is
an American website which gives lists of other children’s organisations, as
well as lists of resources for children with cancer. The American bias within
the links sections make it not very suitable for UK patients, but all the
other resources are international and applicable to all children patients.
Separate sections of the website for kids and teens.
URL http://www.kidscancernetwork.org/
Languages English
Spanish

RipRap
Description The University of Sheffield has launched a website to offer
advice and support to teens (12-16 year olds) who have a parent with cancer.
The site offers young people an interactive emotional toolbox to help them
explore their feelings, an opportunity to ask experts for information and
advice, access to real-life stories for and by their peers, discussion forums,
and basic information and news about cancer. More patient experiential
information then medical facts, this is an interactive site with lots of
colours and graphics.
URL http://www.riprap.org.uk/

Teen Zone
Description Good website, useful for teenagers with a cancer diagnosis.
Mainly looks at the services that the Teenage Cancer Trust can provide. Good
links to other sites, and contact information for teens to interact with each
other. Teen Zone is the teenager’s part of the site where teens with cancer
can interact with each other for support.
URL http://teencancer.org/z/teenframes/teen_frames.html


Teens Living with Cancer
Description Very good site. Although American, it provides good coverage and
comprehensive details. It is a very positive site that has different sections
for teenagers and their parents.

This web site for teens with cancer is a co-sponsored project of Melissa's
Living Legacy Foundation and The Children's Oncology Group. This site covers
facts about cancer including treatments, tips for teens dealing with cancer,
as well as information for family and friends of young adults with cancer.
URL http://www.teenslivingwithcancer.com/

http://www.wespark.org/about.html
weSpark is a special place dedicated to enhance the quality of life for cancer
patients and their families and friends. weSPARK provides, free of charge, a
center where one can join with others to share their experience, strength, and
hope. weSpark offers multiple services designed to heal the mind, body and
spirit of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer.
"wePALS"
weSPARK is pleased to announce a wonderful and often requested service called
wePALS. Are you a guest in need of one on one support? Did you have an
experience that you want to share with a person with a similar diagnosis?
Perhaps you are a caregiver just wanting to vent. wePALS is a matching program
that puts you in touch via phone and/or email with someone who understands. If
you are interested in this program, please contact

J wrote:

> Common Questions for Teens
> When Your Parent Has Cancer
>
> Information Finder on Helping Kids Cope

http://www.kidskonnected.org/
The main method of Contacting us is through our Hotline at 1-800-899-2866 for
calls outside California.
If you are within California you can call our local number: (949)-582-5443.
Our corporate offices are located at:

Kids Konnected
27071 Cabot Road. Suite 102
Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Kids Konnected has model programs throughout the nation. (as of February 2007)

We provide guidance for starting new programs, as well as on-going support and
educational resources for the families that these programs serve. However,
Kids Konnected does not technically own or operate these groups, all questions
should be directed to the appropriate contact number listed below:

Mission Viejo, California
Meets the second and fourth Monday of each month from 6:30PM-8:00PM at the
Mission Hospital Conference Center, 26726 Crown Valley Pkwy.
Call for info: (949) 582-5443

Kids Konnected in Newport Beach, California
Families dealing with the psychological effects of the parent's cancer meet
the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Meetings are held from 7:00pm to 8:00pm,
at the Hoag Cancer Center in Newport Beach.
Call for info: (949) 582-5443

Circle of Care in Oakland, California
Childeren and family support groups.
Call for info: (510-531-7551

WCRC Peer Support Groups, Oakland, California
Support groups for kids and patients.
Call for info: (510) 420-7900

Orange, California
Meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 7:00 - 8:00
Cordelia Knott Center for Wellness, 230 South Main Street, Suite 210,
949-582-5443

Rancho Mirage, California
Eisenhower, Lucy Curci Cancer Center,
for information call Alison Sachs at 760-674-3612

San Diego, California
Meets the second Tuesday of each month from 7:00PM-8:00PM at University Towne
Center, Suite L-5 (above Peking Restaurant) 4305 La Jolla Village Dr.

Kids Konnected in Peoria, Illinois
Kids ages 5-18 meet the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month.
At the Holt Education Center, Call for info: (888) 566-3653

Kids Konnected of Greater Lafayette, Indiana
Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the YCWA (605 North 6th Street,
Lafayette) from 6-6:30, light dinner, from 6:30-7:30 support group. Please
call (765) 497-3516 for more information.

Las Vegas, Nevada
Meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 7:00PM-8:00PM at the
Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation Center, 6070 S. Eastern Ave.
Call for info: (702) 371-0046

SHARE in New York, New York for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer
Kids ages 7-13 meet two Saturdays a month from 11:30-1:00pm. The Moms meet at
the same time in their own group.
Jewish Community Center in Manhatten.
Call for info: (866) 891-2392

Reading, Pennsylvania
Meets the fourth Monday of each month. Contact Christine Wasser at (610)
208-8830 for time and location.

Kids Konnected in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Kids ages 7-17 meet the 1st Thursday of every month at 6:30pm
St.Anthony's Hospital, Call for info: (405) 623-4997

Kids Konnected in Medford, Oregon
Kids ages 4-17 meet the fourth Tuesday of every month from 6:30-8:00pm at the
First Methodist Church.
Call for info: (541) 732-6295

Kids Connection in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Kids ages 7-13 meet the 3rd Thursday of each month at Erlanger Health Center
in Administration building.
Call for info: (423) 778-5119,Sam Harris

Bellevue, Washington
Lincoln Center, 515 116th. Ave. NE contact Shiela Wilson 206-227-0997

Seattle, Washington
Meetings held 2nd and 4th Tues of each month: 6:00pm-8:00pm at the World
Harvester Family Church, 20830 52nd. Ave. West, Lynnwood, WA 98036 contact
Sheila Wilson 206-227-0997

Kids Konnected in Vancouver, Washington
Kids ages 4-17 meet for monthly meetings, times vary
Call for info: (360) 514-2174, Ann Cowan

J wrote:

>
> When Your Parent Has Cancer

http://www.lowellgeneral.org/go/heal...-groups/cancer
LGH Cancer Support Groups provide support and education for those living with
cancer and for their families. LGH also has support groups for children and
teens that have a family member affected by cancer. For more information call
978.937.6142 (for adult groups) or 978-937-6129 (for children's groups).
Merrimack Valley Lowell, MA

"J" <nexsw@nvalid,anon> wrote in message
news:45DC4527.D1302319@execulink.com...
> Common Questions for Teens
> When Your Parent Has Cancer
>
> Is it my fault?
> Thoughts do not cause things to happen. Remember you did nothing to cause
> your parent's cancer.
>
> How can I learn more about what my parent is going through?
> Don't be afraid to ask questions about your parent's cancer. No question
> is silly or dumb. Be careful of seeking information on the internet. Not
> all of it will be relevant to your parent's illness. Some people might
> tell you about someone they know who has cancer. There are many types of
> cancer so listening to what other tell you may be more confusing. Talk to
> your parent(s) if you have concerns.
>
> How do I find support?
> Talk with someone you trust. This might be someone in your family, a
> friend, or someone at school. Don't try to pretend that everything is OK.
> Things will feel worse if you don't express your feelings.
>
> What can I do to help?
> When a parent is ill there can be a lot of upheaval in the family. Certain
> responsibilities and tasks might need to be changed. Because you are an
> older member of your family, you might be in a position to help. Sit down
> and talk about what you can do to help.
>
> How can I reduce the stress that I feel?
>
> * It can be helpful to check-in with your parent(s) about what is
> happening. You can ask for updates or talk about how you or they are
> doing.
> * Remember everyone in your family needs to be flexible. There might
> be some times where you need to spend time with your friends instead of
> watching younger siblings or helping out. Try to keep a balance between
> helping out, and having some space and time to be a teenager.
>
> * Make sure you are eating and sleeping enough.
> Getting some physical exercise every day will help you manage any
> stress you are feeling.
>
> Listening to music or reading can help you relax or unwind.
> * Your friends might not know what to say. They may wonder how to talk
> with you about your parent's cancer. Tell your friends how they can help
> support you.
>
> * While it might seem that alcohol or other drugs will help you cope,
> they really only cover up the pain. If you feel like you can't cope any
> other way, please reach out to a trusted adult and ask for help. It will
> make a difference in your life.
>
> Do you have a list of websites, books, and other resources on helping kids
> cope?
> Information Finder on Helping Kids Cope


Thanks, I will get this to Cheyenne.
G

Giuditta wrote:

> "J" <nexsw@nvalid,anon> wrote in message
>
> > Common Questions for Teens
> > When Your Parent Has Cancer
> >
> > Is it my fault?
> > Thoughts do not cause things to happen. Remember you did nothing to cause
> > your parent's cancer.
> >
> > How can I learn more about what my parent is going through?
> > Don't be afraid to ask questions about your parent's cancer. No question
> > is silly or dumb. Be careful of seeking information on the internet. Not
> > all of it will be relevant to your parent's illness. Some people might
> > tell you about someone they know who has cancer. There are many types of
> > cancer so listening to what other tell you may be more confusing. Talk to
> > your parent(s) if you have concerns.
> >
> > How do I find support?
> > Talk with someone you trust. This might be someone in your family, a
> > friend, or someone at school. Don't try to pretend that everything is OK.
> > Things will feel worse if you don't express your feelings.
> >
> > What can I do to help?
> > When a parent is ill there can be a lot of upheaval in the family. Certain
> > responsibilities and tasks might need to be changed. Because you are an
> > older member of your family, you might be in a position to help. Sit down
> > and talk about what you can do to help.
> >
> > How can I reduce the stress that I feel?
> >
> > * It can be helpful to check-in with your parent(s) about what is
> > happening. You can ask for updates or talk about how you or they are
> > doing.
> > * Remember everyone in your family needs to be flexible. There might
> > be some times where you need to spend time with your friends instead of
> > watching younger siblings or helping out. Try to keep a balance between
> > helping out, and having some space and time to be a teenager.
> >
> > * Make sure you are eating and sleeping enough.
> > Getting some physical exercise every day will help you manage any
> > stress you are feeling.
> >
> > Listening to music or reading can help you relax or unwind.
> > * Your friends might not know what to say. They may wonder how to talk
> > with you about your parent's cancer. Tell your friends how they can help
> > support you.
> >
> > * While it might seem that alcohol or other drugs will help you cope,
> > they really only cover up the pain. If you feel like you can't cope any
> > other way, please reach out to a trusted adult and ask for help. It will
> > make a difference in your life.
> >
>
>
> Thanks, I will get this to Cheyenne.
> G

I hope it helps, G.
J