When we think of the battle against pediatric cancer, we think of chemotherapy, radiation, hospital stays, and lots and LOTS of tests and procedures. We focus on the life lived within the walls of outpatient clinics and hospital rooms and corridors. But the rest of life goes on, and the world keeps spinning. Bills need to be paid, dinner still needs to put on the table, and gas needs to be put in the tank. All of this is harder, more overwhelming and isolating when your child is in the fight for their life. So, PCFLV helps with all of that. With finances, with emotional support, and with fostering connections. With our help, you can move beyond surviving – onto thriving and even joy!
How We Help
Because There's More to the Fight than Fighting
Social
Fostering Connections, Community, and Moments of Joy
The best of friends are often found in the most unlikely of places…and PCFLV is definitely one of those unlikely places! The pediatric cancer journey can be isolating – and our mission is to make sure our families NEVER feel alone. Through fun in-house family events, group outings to local sports and entertainment venues, caregiver retreats, and regularly-scheduled activities for moms, dads, grandparents, and kids, we help our local pediatric cancer families build invaluable connections and true friendships with people who understand the journey. Community replaces solitude…and joy finds its place amidst the worry and fear.
Emotional
Supporting Mental Health and Emotional Healing
Mental health and well-being should always be a top priority, but in the midst of a battle with pediatric cancer, it can often get overlooked. Fighting your child’s cancer can be all-consuming. Procedures, tests, clinic visits, home care, and trips to the pharmacy can leave little time to focus on a family’s emotional wellness. PCFLV makes that task a little easier by offering monthly support groups for parents of children currently in-treatment and in survivorship, bereaved parents, and grandparents. Our art and music therapy groups offer additional emotional support for our warriors and siblings, while fostering their creativity and sense of connection. We support the whole family…and the WHOLE you.
Financial
Providing Resources to Help Ease a Family's Financial Burden
With nearly 95% of all pediatric cancer families reporting financial difficulties as the result of a child being diagnosed with cancer, it is no wonder our PCFLV families often tell us they are not sure how they would have survived without our help. More than half of pediatric cancer parents are forced to quit their jobs or severely cut back on hours worked in order to meet the needs of their warrior and their family in crisis. Financial “toxicity” is often an unexpected side effect of the pediatric cancer journey. How does PCFLV battle that toxicity? Through the distribution of gift cards for gas, groceries, hospital cafeterias, and holiday shopping; through assistance with major non-medical bills such as rent, mortgage, electricity, and car repairs; and with our Warrior and Bereaved Sibling Scholarship programs, which have provided almost $250,000 for college and trade school for some of the bravest kiddos we know.
"PCFLV isn't just there for our family financially they really care about our whole family's well being. The smile from a simple gift of a toy is priceless to a child suffering cancer and their siblings. It's a moment of being seen."
Stefanie, Cancer Mom
"We are forever grateful to everyone who has helped us get through difficult times and are especially grateful for PCFLV and all they do for families living this nightmare - from grocery cards to special ways to help Jillian smile, family events, Mom and Dad events and so much more they do to make life a little easier. We especially are so grateful PCFLV is still there for us."
Jodi, Cancer Mom
"I have found a home in the monthly bereavement support group. While it’s hard to show up each month, I'm always glad I do. It’s a safe space where we can go to some dark places and reflect on our shared experiences. For me, it’s also a place where I can find genuine empathy. There is therapeutic benefit in being with others who have personally experienced the same pain and heartbreak and can relate on a deeper level."
Andy, Bereaved Dad
In need of help?
If you are a family dealing with a pediatric cancer diagnosis, and live within 50 miles of Allentown, PA, we can help! Click below to sign up for assistance and become a PCFLV family.