Cancer Care (http://www.cancercare.org): The Cancer Care Counseling Line, 1-800-813-HOPE provides telephonic counseling services for people with cancer and their families. Additionally, they hold telephonic support groups (adolescents only, no children) and teleconference programs (geared toward adults) on cancer related issues. For additional information on these services, call the Counseling Line or visit http://www.cancercare.org/.
Cancer Hope Network (http://www.cancerhopenetwork.org): The Cancer Hope Network is a not-for-profit organization that provides free and confidential one-on-one support to cancer patients and their families. The program is based on matching cancer patients and/or family members with trained volunteers who have themselves undergone and recovered from a similar cancer experience. For more information, visit http://www.cancerhopenetwork.org/ or call 1-877-HOPENET.
The Compassionate Friends (http://www.compassionatefriends.org): The Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization offering friendship and understanding to families grieving the death of a child. Their mission is to assist families in the positive resolution of grief following the death of a child and to provide information to help others be supportive. Their web site, at http://www.compassionatefriends.org/, contains a resource catalog of books, videos and cassette tapes that may assist in the preparation and grieving process. There are also links to local chapters providing contacts for support community groups.
Growth House (www.growthhouse.org): This award-winning web site, http://www.growthhouse.org/, is an international gateway to resources for life-threatening illness and end of life care. Their primary mission is to improve the quality of compassionate care for people who are dying through public education and global professional collaboration. Though not cancer specific there is a great deal of information on death, dying, grief and loss that is extremely helpful and informative. The entire Growth House site includes "best of the net" resources around the world that meet specific review standards.
William Wendt Center for Loss and Healing (http://www.lossandhealing.org): The William Wendt Center for Loss and Healing is a non-sectarian, non-profit organization offering guidance, information, and support for people living with illness, loss, and bereavement. The Center counsels and supports adults, children, and families, Located right here in DC, the Center provides support groups and resources valuable in coping with the impact of cancer. For more information visit http://www.lossandhealing.org/ or call 202-333-4880.
Hospice of Northern Virginia: The Hospice of Northern Virginia runs a wide variety of grief and bereavement support groups. For a complete and current listing of group offerings, call 703-538-2065 (Arlington/Alexandria/Falls Church/Fairfax), 703-777-7866 (Loudoun County), or 703-32-6707 (Prince William County).
My Friend's House: The Inova Health System sponsors various support groups for children and teens with cancer, as well as other children and teens in the household dealing with the illness and/or loss of their sibling. For a current list of groups, call 703-208-5611.
Life with Cancer Family Center: This Fairfax-based organization runs monthly support groups. Call 703-208-5611 for details.
The Never Ending Squirrel Tale Web Site (http://www.squirreltales.com): The Never-Ending Squirrel Tale site, http://www.squirreltales.com/, is a place to go for practical tips and encouragement for the parents of kids with cancer. Its not as "professional-looking" as some other sights, but written by parents who have been through having a child with cancer, its approach is refreshing and its content thorough. The site contains everything from ideas on how to handle various difficult situations, to stories, poems and photographs of kids. There is also a wide variety of links to other sites, including kid's sites, bereavement, hospice, counseling, airlifting, etc. under "Resources".
Pediatric Oncology Resource Center (http://www.acor.org/ped-onc/): The Pediatric Oncology Resource Center, www.acor.org/ped-onc, is a comprehensive web site for families and providers of children with cancer. The site includes clinical information such as descriptions of various diseases and treatment, as well as information on managing various family issues such as financial needs, emotional support, books to read and summer camps. The site also includes a very special area, called Time To Go, providing guidance and support when it appears a child has failed treatment and the family must prepare for the child's passing.
Taking the Fear Out of Cancer (http://www.takingthefearoutofcancer.com): A comprehensive guide with links to information, support groups, and many other resources for families dealing with a cancer diagnosis.