The need for emotional support for children whose parents have cancer is greater
than ever before.
- In the United States, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than
315,000 parents with children under 18 will be diagnosed with invasive cancer each
year.
- For the children, more than 592,000, this permanently changes the family dynamics,
evoking in the children many fears, doubts and questions about their future and
that of their parents.
The Handbook of Psychology, Oxford University Press, 1989, reported that children
are "a hidden, high-risk group whose problems are minimized by overwhelming parents
and are unknown to the medical staff who seldom see them."
Moreover, Dr. Martha Kendall Ryan, a licensed clinical psychologist, says, "Without
appropriate counseling, some of these children may experience long-standing emotional
difficulties throughout life that may, in adulthood, mean poor adaptive functioning
in relationships with others."
We Need Your Help In Addressing the Need
We believe that the services we offer through The Children's Treehouse Foundation
fill a critical care gap between parents who have been diagnosed with cancer and
the often overlooked emotional needs of their children.
We also believe that through the active participation and support of parents, physicians,
hospital administrators and psychosocial professionals, we can help to close this
critical gap.
We invite you to use this website to learn more about how our services can assist
you in helping to address this critical need. Whether you are a parent or a professional,
we are committed to delivering support services for children that lead to healthier
children, healthier family systems, and an overall healthier society. We are always
looking for individuals, organizations and donors to support this effort with us.
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