Families Connect
Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis is proud to introduce Families Connect: A Program for children and teens who are impacted by cancer in the family. Funding for this program is provided by the Saigh Foundation.
Call us at 314-238- 2000 to learn more about our program for children, teens and families and to set up a meeting to learn more about which of our offerings best fit your family’s needs.
Below is a list of example workshops or groups from our focus areas. Please see our program calendar for a complete list of our programs each month and online registration.
Support
Families Connect Monthly Networking Group
Families Connect is a program for the whole family when a child has a parent, grandparent, or adult relative with cancer. A family support group is held while the children and teens (ages 5-18) meet for equal parts support and fun! RSVP by NOON the Monday prior to each group!
Education
Workshops with topics such as: How to Talk to Children and Teens about Cancer and Financial Planning with cancer in the family.
Kid Support - A Program of the Cancer Support Community
Kid Support™ is a series of 3 interwoven workshops for children and teens (ages 5 – 18, divided into age groups) who have a parent, grandparent, or other adult family member with cancer. Kid Support™ includes age-appropriate activities (art, games, writing, cooking, etc.) and provides a safe space for children and teens to have conversations about their loved ones’ cancer. Sessions are 1 ½ hours in length. A family support group is held while the children and teens meet! Dinner is provided. Check our program calendar for the next session.
Healthy Lifestyle/Stress Management
Examples include: Family Yoga, Kids Rock Cancer, Hoop Jam, and Food, Family & Fun
Family Yoga
Lisa Roberts, RYT, RCYT and author of Breathe, Chill – A Handy Book of Games and Techniques Introducing Breathing, Relaxation and Meditation to Kids and Teens will offer ongoing sessions for children and families to practice wellness in fun and interesting ways.
Social Opportunities
Examples include: Build Your Own Gingerbread House night, Movie night, and Equine Assisted Learning
Families Connect Room and the St. Luke’s Family Resource Library
In partnership with St. Louis Men's Group Against Cancer and St. Luke's Hospital, this family friendly room hosts a variety of materials to support the whole family, the whole time.
Kids Rock Cancer - Maryville University
A Board Certified Music Therapist helps participants (children and teens diagnosed with cancer, as well as those who have a family member with cancer) to express their feelings that they then convert into songs. Attendees receive the recording on CD! No prior musical experience needed! This program is in collaboration with Maryville University’s fully accredited music therapy program in the School of Health Professions.
