Patient Care
CLIMB Support Program
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Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery (CLIMB®) is a special program developed by The Children's Treehouse Foundation, a non-profit foundation dedicated to the emotional support of children who have parents with cancer. Our facilitators have been specially trained to provide this program.
The CLIMB® program at Fox Valley Hematology & Oncology, SC offers 90 minute group meetings several times a year. These 90 minute meetings are held weekly for four consecutive weeks. During these meetings, conversation and art are used to help children identify and appropriately express complex feelings. They are given a workbook to capture their progress, which they can share with their family at home. A small meal will be provided for children and parents if they wish.
Topics will include:
- Knowledge of cancer and treatments
- Identifying feelings (happy, confused, sad, scared, mad)
- Coping with feelings
- Facilitating communication
Why is this program important to children?
Children bond very quickly with other children going through a similar experience. It will normalize the feelings of anger, fear and sadness and provide the child with the ability to healthfully express their feelings and emotions. CLIMB® provides children with the support, tools and understanding to become more comfortable with their parents cancer diagnosis.
Teen CLIMB®
Teen CLIMB® is dedicated to supporting teenagers cope with a parent’s cancer diagnosis. This group is now available for adolescents and teens ages 13-18.
The parents
There is a concurrent program offered for the parents of children attending CLIMB®. It is an educational group where parents are given the tools to communicate with their children about their cancer diagnosis. It is available for both caregivers. It helps to reduce stress by knowing that their children are getting the support and assistance they need to normalize the feelings that accompany a diagnosis of cancer in the family.
Eligibility
Children between the ages of 5-12 years old are eligible to enroll in the CLIMB® program. Teenagers between the ages 13-18 years old can enroll in Teen CLIMB® program. Parents are asked to come to the beginning of the program and then leave to attend their own support group.
What is the cost of the CLIMB® program?
This service is being offered free of charge, because we firmly believe that this program provides life-long benefits to our patients and their family.
How do I enroll?
Contact any of the FVHO offices for additional information or to register a child. Families must register before attending the group. The program will be held at one of the FVHO offices. The specific location will be provided at time of enrollment. Attendance at all four meetings is strongly encouraged. This program will be held at various times throughout the year, so please contact the FVHO office to find out when the next open session begins.
CLIMB® Support Program Feedback
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CLIMB® Support Program Feedback
