Resources Draft

PARENTING THROUGH CANCER

At Angel Foundation we know that helping a child navigate their way through a parent or loved one’s cancer diagnosis is hard, but we are here to help you start those difficult conversations. Sometimes questions will come up for which you don’t have an answer. We can help! Contact us or call our program team (612) 627-9000 ext. 509 for assistance.

How to tell your child you have cancer
Age-appropriate tips and tools
Basic definitions of cancer and its treatment
Prepare your child for upcoming surgery

FAMILY GUIDEBOOKS

We have guidebooks and resources with accurate and developmentally appropriate information to help you discuss your diagnosis and treatment.

Simply click on the image of the guidebook you are interested in below to view.

Children
Click the image above to download

Pre-Teens

Teens

Parents

AngelPacks are free backpacks that are filled with tools to help families discuss cancer in an age-appropriate and comforting way. They are available to children, preteens, and teens who have a parent or loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer and is living or being treated in the eleven-county metro area of MN. AngelPacks are meant to assure families impacted by cancer that they are not alone. If you would like to receive AngelPacks for children in your family, please complete the online form below. If you cannot complete the online form, you may ask your healthcare team or call Angel Foundation’s Adult & Family Programs staff at 612-627-9000.

[insert form here when finished]

 

After talking with your child about a cancer diagnosis, books are a helpful way to follow up that discussion. Books can help answer questions, let the reader explore feelings, and clear up any possible misconceptions.

 

SCHOOL AGE

Cancer:

  • Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings, by Ellen McVicker
  • Still Me, by Rebecca DuBois
  • When Someone You Love Has Cancer: A Guide to Helping Kids Cope, by Alaric Lewis

Separation anxiety:

  • I’m Here, by Peter H. Reynolds
  • The Invisible String, by Patrice Karst

 

TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS

  • Love Sick: Teens Reflect on Growing Up with a Parent Who Has Cancer, by Lynnette Wilhard
  • My Parent has Cancer and it Really Sucks, by Maya Silver and Marc Silver
  • Reflections – Teen Thoughts on Having a Parent With Cancer, by Katie Jecha

 

PARENTS

Parenting through a diagnosis:

  • Can I Still Kiss You? Answering Your Children’s Questions About Cancer, by Neil Russell
  • Camp Chemo: Postcards home from metastatic breast cancer, by Camille Scheel
  • How to Help Children through a Parent’s Serious Illness, by Kathleen McCue
  • When a Parent has Cancer: A Guide to Caring for Your Children, by Wendy Harpham

 

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