The National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS) is proud to receive a grant from the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation (CWF) to support awareness of the NCCS Beyond the Cure survivorship program. Commander Kerry Colette traveled to St. Louis to present a check for $6,715.
Many of the treatments that cure childhood cancer can cause problems even years after treatment has ended. These complications are known as “late effects.” Two-thirds of all survivors will experience one or more late effect from their disease and/or treatment which can include secondary malignancies, problems associated with cognitive function, heart, endocrine, or reproductive systems and psychological problems like depression or social isolation.
When problems are recognized early, it is more likely that they can be treated effectively. The NCCS Beyond the Cure program prepares survivors and their families for life after cancer. The CWF grant will be used to create informational material on the organization’s Late Effects After Treatment Tool (LEATT) which provides a personalized assessment of a survivor’s potential late effects based on the information they give. The materials will be distributed to hundreds of hospitals across the country.
Survivorship is a lifelong journey that requires information, guidance and support so that survivors and their families are adequately prepared to handle the long-term consequences of cancer and its treatment.
“This generous grant from the CWF will enhance the important work we do to support survivors and improve the quality of life for more people living with the late effects of childhood cancer.” said Beyond the Cure program coordinator, Pam Gabris.
Established in 1954, the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation was developed to contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual welfare of children and youth by aiding progress in the field of child welfare through dissemination of knowledge about research, studies, surveys, projects, or by supporting programs and activities benefiting the welfare of children and youth.