Little Gifts with Big Impact: Supporting Children through Cancer
A pediatric cancer diagnosis is the start of a huge battle for a child and their family. Finding ways to bring joy to days that are filled with treatment, frequent hospital visits, medications, and the physical toll of the illness, can be overwhelming. During these times, simple acts of kindness, like a visit from a friend or receiving a special gift, can provide much-needed comfort. Many organizations, some of which were inspired by the giving spirits of young cancer fighters, exist to bring little glimmers of happiness to kids fighting cancer. If you are looking for ways to bring a smile to a kid who is fighting cancer, these organizations can be a great place to start.
Play Therapy & Companionship
Gabe’s Chemo Ducks are cuddly pals that provide children with the huggable hope they deserve during their treatment. Through the power of play therapy and companionship Chemo Duck can help bring comfort and relief. Each duck comes with a port or central line which can help children learn how to care for their own similar treatment tools.
The Desi Strong Doll is made in the image of young cancer fighter Desi, whose dolls brought her great comfort during her own battle. It is the mission of the Desi Strong foundation to provide dolls to as many children fighting cancer as they can reach.
Fits & Other Fun
Project Outrun partners with Nike to create custom-designed shoes for children battling cancer. Using the child’s favorite colors and special messages, they empower young warriors by giving them the opportunity to take control of their own story during a difficult time.
Costumes For Courage provides costumes to children receiving treatment for significant medical challenges, giving them strength and courage to get through whatever struggles they are facing.
Sweet Treats & Smiles
Icing Smiles provides custom celebration cakes and other treats to families impacted by the critical illness. With the help of volunteer bakers across the country, they brighten the lives of sick children and support families by fostering moments of happiness, helping make joyful memories in the midst of their medical journey.
The Here’s Hope Project creates music videos for children battling chronic illnesses. These videos can help inspire hope, reflection, and community support.
Flashes of Hope is a program of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation that creates free uplifting portraits to honor the unique life and memories of every child fighting cancer. Visit their site to find a photo shoot near you.
Additional resources, including wish-granting and gift-giving ideas, can be found in the Ronald McDonald House Resource Link Pediatric Cancer pathway.