French Hospital Medical Center’s Hearst Cancer Resource Center has teamed up with Jack’s Helping Hand and Coastal Integrative Cancer Care to provide a special support group offering for children and teenagers who have a loved one battling cancer.
The support group is designed to allow children and teens to freely express their needs, fears and concerns when a loved one is going through cancer treatment or finishing treatment. A licensed marriage and family therapist facilitates the support group which meets the third Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at French Hospital’s Hearst Cancer Resource Center, 1941 Johnson Avenue, Suite 201A, San Luis Obispo.
“When a parent or loved one has cancer it affects everyone and childhood and adolescence is a crucial time of development,” explains Beverly Kirkhart, French Hospital Hearst Cancer Resource Center director. “Kids and teens may have trouble talking about the impact a parent or loved one’s battle with cancer has on them. Very often they can become angry, attached or withdrawn and the stress of a loved one’s cancer can also affect school performance and relationships. This important new support group is intended to help young children and teens cope with these difficult feelings and situations associated with cancer.”
The program is offered to children between the ages of seven and 18. Play Therapy will be offered for children less than 10 years of age, while structured support will be provided for older children and teen participants.
This support group coincides with the San Luis Young Survivors support group. A childcare service is available for those attending the San Luis Youth Survivors group, however reservations are required.
To make a reservation for a child or teenager to attend this new support group, please call French Hospital’s Hearst Cancer Resource Center at (805) 542-6234.