Support for Children of People who have Cancer

When you are diagnosed with cancer, you have many questions. But when you're a parent who has cancer, you likely are worried about how to talk to your kids about your illness and how to help them handle their feelings. At the University of Colorado Cancer Center, we have two programs to help your kids understand your illness better and get support for the wide array of feelings they may have about your illness.

C.L.I.M.B.

C.L.I.M.B. (Children's Lives Include Moments of Bravery) is a FREE, four-week program for children ages 6 to 10 whose parent or primary caregtiver has cancer. Each time we meet, our trained healthcare professionals use the creative arts to focus on a topic in order to help your child work through his or her thoughts and emotions about your illness.

• We give children a supportive place to address their thoughts and emotions
• Your child will connect with other kids who are having a similar experience
• Through proven art therapy techniques, we give your child creative means to express feelings they might not otherwise know how to talk about.
• We provide a snack, as well as a bit of free time for you to take to nurture yourself.

Session Dates & Times

May 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2008 (Four Thursdays), 4 to 5:15 pm

July 9, 16, 23, 30, 2008 (Four Wednesdays), 4 to 5:15 pm

Location

Anschutz Medical Campus, Anschutz Cancer Pavilion, 1665 North Ursula Street, Aurora, CO 80045 (Near Colfax & I-225)

More Information

Lori McKeon , 720-848-0249

CLIMB is a joint effort of Colorado Cancer Center and The Children’s Treehouse Foundation, with funding from the Avon Foundation.

Lemonade Tours

Sometimes just seeing the place where you will receive cancer treatment can help kids release fear and worry. Lemonade Tours are free and available for children and adolescents up to 18 who are accompanied by parents, grandparents or caregivers. Each 45 to 60-minute tour is tailored to your children's ages and needes. Our tour leaders are trained in answering questions kids commonly ask. Your kids will tour the Cancer Center, and have a chance to ask questions about your treatment.

• Younger kids can explore our playroom, read stories and watch videos that help them cope with having a parent with cancer.
• Older kids can use computers and resource rooms to research and learn about how they can help their family learn to live with cancer.
• You—parents and caregivers—will observe and talk with your tour guide about how to discuss your cancer with your kids.

And, of course, no Lemonade Tour would be complete without cookies and lemonade. For more information or to schedule a tour, please call the Monfort Family Foundation Cancer Resource Center at 720-848-0316.

Sponsored by the University of Colorado Cancer Center and the Children’s Treehouse Foundation with funding from HealthOne Alliance.