The Beyond the Cure Survivorship Program helps survivors navigate life after cancer, and its college scholarship program provides financial support to help them achieve their dreams. Since 2008, the program has awarded over $2.5 million to more than 250 survivors. This year, 50 scholarships will be awarded to childhood cancer survivors who have shown remarkable strength and determination!

Mindfulness is the practice of slowing down to pay compassionate and conscious attention to something in the moment. There is growing interest in using mindfulness techniques to help children with cancer cope with trauma, pain, fatigue, sadness, anxiety, and anger. Mindfulness may also help cancer survivors cope with cognitive late effects by helping with focus, executive functioning, and social-emotional learning.

Cancer treatments often bring side effects that can be particularly challenging for children. Symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, neuropathy, and headaches are common, but there are holistic remedies that may help ease discomfort.

Navigating childhood cancer involves more than just managing medical treatments—it also requires finding ways to keep your child engaged academically. Fortunately, there are a variety of educational alternatives designed to support children undergoing cancer treatment, allowing them to continue learning while prioritizing their health.

Beyond managing medical appointments and supporting your child’s emotional well-being, advocating for their educational needs is essential. Cancer treatments can bring cognitive and physical challenges, such as fatigue, pain, or long-term effects like memory or processing issues. These needs may extend beyond what’s offered in a traditional classroom. Understanding this can help ensure your child receives the support they need to reach their full potential and succeed in school.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in your child’s treatment journey. Cancer therapies like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can greatly affect appetite, digestion, and metabolism. These treatments often result in side effects such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, changes in taste, and fatigue, making it difficult for children to eat well. However, maintaining proper nutrition is vital as it helps your child's body cope with the stress of treatment, supports their immune system, and aids in the recovery process.

Advancements in cancer therapies have led to a tremendous increase in the survival rates of children with cancer. While this is wonderful news, research is showing that cancer survivors are at higher risk of treatment-related chronic illnesses. To combat this risk, doctors are urging survivors to adopt a healthy lifestyle to mitigate their risk of late effects.

The National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS) mentor program was created to provide support by connecting a young adult cancer survivor (mentor) with a younger child going through treatment between the ages of 10-17 (mentee).

Friendship is a gift that brings comfort, happiness, joy, companionship, and support. But for children battling cancer, friendship means even more. Having friends to confide in and count on - ones who show empathy and understanding - is incredibly important, as it makes a profound difference to the child’s overall healing journey.

When a parent first hears of their child’s cancer diagnosis, they may be reluctant to share the realities of the disease with their child in an effort to protect them from painful emotions. However, children are very in tune with their caregivers and can sense when something feels “off.”

When a family receives a cancer diagnosis, each member of that family is forced to adjust to a “new normal.” Future plans, former habits, and relationship dynamics all change – some permanently.

When a child is first diagnosed with cancer, families may feel overwhelmed by new information and unsure of the next steps.  When doubts or confusions arise, some families may wish to seek a second opinion.