Visitors often ask if children with cancer and their families utilize the services of The Gathering Place. The answer is a definite “yes,” with some clarification. When looking at our calendar and schedule of events, you will probably see that there are a number of programs listed for children who have an adult in their family with cancer, but only a few programs specifically for children with cancer. 

The reality is that children with cancer make up the smallest cancer population.  In the years 2000-2003, across the United States, there were 1,327,804 new diagnoses of cancer.  Of those cases, only 1.1%, or 14,605 were under the age of 20.  In comparison, adults from ages 20-54, who might be likely to have minor children in their homes, made up 22.2% of the new diagnoses, or 294,772 new cases.  When you add children who have a grandparent with cancer, there are obviously many more children impacted by adult cancer than by pediatric cancer.

Even though the numbers are small, the impact of childhood cancer on family and friends is huge.  Unless you have experienced it firsthand, it is inconceivable to imagine your child fighting cancer.  Of all the distressing challenges that a parent must face, a life-threatening childhood illness is one of the most difficult.  Therefore, our programming here at The Gathering Place is individualized based on the specific needs of each family. 

Two childlife specialists on staff provide short term counseling for children and adults who are impacted by childhood cancer. We often get requests to help preschool age children who are cancer survivors regain their social skills after periods of isolation, and have offered spontaneous “play groups” for these very young children.  Kathy Maxwell now facilitates a group for adolescents with cancer.  Stress management services such as reiki and massage are often offered to both adults and youngsters who must deal with pediatric cancer. 

We are lucky that there are excellent medical and psychosocial services at the pediatric oncology care centers here in greater Cleveland. We work closely with those professionals to integrate what they have to offer with what we can do here.  By using a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach, and being aware of services throughout the community, we strive to meet the needs of all those touched by cancer, regardless of age.  If you know a family dealing with childhood cancer, encourage them to meet with us, and let us know how we can help.

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