COUNSELLING & EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Support for the emotional strain families may face during cancer care.
NOFCC helps families access counselling and emotional support during an extremely difficult time.
Support for emotional strain, grief, and uncertainty
Childhood cancer affects the whole family. Alongside treatment and practical needs, families may also face stress, fear, grief, uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion. NOFCC’s counselling and emotional supports are intended to help families feel less alone and more connected to care, comfort, and community.
Some supports are available during active treatment, while others help families through difficult transitions, grief, bereavement, or times when extra emotional support is needed.
What this support includes
Therapy Program
NOFCC helps families access therapy-based supports such as music therapy, art therapy, or similar programs when available. These supports provide comfort, expression, and emotional support during a difficult time.
Support Group
NOFCC’s support group helps parents and families connect with people who understand the childhood cancer experience. Sarah Kennedy, NOFCC’s parent representative and the parent of a childhood cancer survivor, is available to provide support, connection, and help finding the right next step.
Andrea Greidanus, a childhood cancer survivor, is also available to speak with parents and people who have been diagnosed. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at age 15 in 2012, Andrea understands the challenges these families face. Contact Andrea at 705-358-7077 or ablamarche5@gmail.com.
Palliative Support Program
NOFCC provides compassionate support to families navigating palliative or end-of-life care. This support may help with special needs during an incredibly difficult time, and the type of support available may vary based on family circumstances, eligibility, and current resources. Palliative care supports can include funeral expenses, housekeeping services, meal arrangements, and supportive in-home care, allowing families to spend time together without worrying about the home and daily tasks.
Benevolent Fund
NOFCC’s Benevolent Fund provides a supportive gift or gesture to grieving families, offering care and compassion during an incredibly difficult time.
A careful, compassionate next step
Every family’s situation is different. If you are unsure which emotional support option applies, or if your family is facing a difficult or urgent situation, please contact NOFCC. A team member can help guide you toward the most appropriate next step.
Need help choosing the next step?
You do not have to figure this out alone. Contact NOFCC for counselling and emotional support. Families can also connect with Sarah Kennedy, NOFCC’s parent representative and the parent of a childhood cancer survivor, at 705-690-8868, or Andrea Greidanus at 705-358-7077 or ablamarche5@gmail.com.
