Medicine

CLIMB program helps children cope

When children learn that a parent or grandparent has cancer, they may feel frightened, discouraged and confused. Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute now offers a free, six-week program designed to support children ages six to 11 whose parent or grandparent has been diagnosed with cancer. The CLIMB (Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery) program is facilitated by a health care provider specially trained in the care of families coping with cancer.

The first six-week session begins Thursday, April 16. It is held from 6 to 8 p.m., dinner provided, at 30 Hope Drive. Registration is required. To register, call Michelle Farnan at (717) 531-7942.

Each session focuses on a specific topic and includes a related craft project. Loved ones are welcomed into a support group at the same time. The program increases the child’s understanding of cancer and its treatment and allows children to form friendships and bonds with others going through the same thing.

For more information, log onto www.PennStateHershey.org/cancer.

Last Updated March 26, 2009

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