
The Hope Connection
An e-newsletter filled with invaluable insights, personal stories, and practical tips for families touched by childhood cancer.
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Hope Connection Articles
The NCCS Beyond the Cure Scholarship program has awarded nearly $2 million to over 200 childhood cancer survivors to help them fulfill their future dreams. Survivors who are awarded scholarships are asked to complete volunteer service hours to give back to the childhood cancer community.

A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. It’s unexpected, and with so many unknowns, difficult to accept. Little Vaylah, at just 6 years old, knows this all too well.
Children undergoing cancer treatment benefit from returning to school as soon as medically possible, however this can be a tough adjustment for children, their parents and even the school.
Compassion fatigue is a natural consequence of stress and is common among those caring for cancer patients. Learn how to identify compassion fatigue to find relief from your symptoms and maintain your well-being as you play the very important role of caregiver.
A serious illness, such as cancer, can be a risk factor for depression. It’s one of the most common mental health disorders and can develop at any age. Here are tips for caregivers and parents on identifying and dealing with symptoms of depression.
The NCCS mentor program was created to help children with cancer adjust to their treatment, increase their self-confidence, reduce anxiety and offer connection with someone that understands their journey.
The National Children’s Cancer Society is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship Program. Completed applications must be postmarked by March 31, 2022.
“Scanxiety” is just as you may assume- the anxiety that occurs with thinking about, preparing for, going through or waiting for the results of a scan or other test. Although these feelings can be overwhelming, scans and tests are a part of the childhood cancer journey.
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family is impacted and dynamics change. Those changes can be especially difficult for siblings.
Childhood cancer treatments may have side effects that affect memory, learning, focus, attention, processing or organization.
A good advocate is willing to plead, speak or even argue in order to support their child. Children’s voices aren’t often heard so sometimes a parent needs to speak up for them.
Being in the sun has benefits, such as providing Vitamin D that is needed for strong bones and a healthy immune system. However, protecting skin from the sun’s harmful rays is equally important.