A pediatric cancer diagnosis causes worry, fear, and loneliness as families are isolated from loved ones, and sometimes even separated from each other, during their treatment journey.

NC4K Mom Sarah says: “The weight of [Connor’s] situation is constantly with us, and we know that one day, [he] will grasp the magnitude of what he has endured and recognize his incredible strength. This journey has kept us in a perpetual state of fight or flight, and being caregivers in such circumstances undeniably takes a toll on our mental health.”

The NC4K emotional support program is designed to ease the mental burdens carried by our families. Another NC4K Parent says this: “It’s great to have something positive to look forward to. To have a sense of normalcy outside of the medications, sleepless nights, doctors’ rounds, tubes, beeping machines, and all the nonsense that cancer brings into your life. Sometimes a simple bag stuffed with goodies and love brings you a little change to your hospital routine.”

CAC2 reports that psychosocial care has also been shown to “yield better management of common disease-related symptoms and adverse effects of treatment such as pain and fatigue.” This means that not only does emotional support boost the mental health of the family, it also improves the patient child’s response to treatment.