KidsCan! is a unique program that was created to provide children with support and information about cancer, as well as its various treatment modalities. KidsCan! focuses on the basic needs of children when a parent has cancer by providing emotional support, information and an opportunity for expression through activities, arts and crafts, group discussion, music and puppetry.

KidsCan! offers a safe, nurturing environment for children and their families to understand the many aspects of cancer, discuss concerns, develop healthy coping strategies through planned activities. The parents are provided a forum, meeting together to discuss issues related to family dynamics and focusing on providing support and education.

Group meetings, free and open to the public, are led by professionals within the field of oncology and have experience in working with cancer patients and the families. The teams consist of an Oncology Nurse Specialist, a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Pastoral Care Counselor, two Medical Social Workers and trained volunteers who assist with activities.

The benefits of the KidsCan! Programs are:

Providing resources for parents and children to develop better coping strategies.
To enable parents, spouses and children to discuss their concerns in a supportive and safe environment.
To help parents understand how children perceive illness, separation and loss.