What We Do

• Overview
• Ventura Expansion
• Direct Financial Assistance
• Family Fun Days
• Funeral Fund
• Hotel Accomodations
• Moments in Time
• Parent Support Group
• Transportation
• Care Packages
• Storytellers
• Strength Training
• Collaborations
• Testimonials

Parent Support Group

Santa Barbara Parent & Child Support Groups

These groups offer a unique and beneficial form of support; offering parents both an educational presentation and a place to meet others enduring a similar situation.  Only another parent with a child suffering from cancer can fully understand the pain these parents are going through, and the realization that they are not alone in their battle provides a unique sense of comfort.   Our groups consist of a family style dinner and are facilitated by a licensed social worker and an art therapy group with a licensed therapist for children with cancer and their siblings.  For children who do not wish to participate, childcare is provided.

Ventura Support Groups

In a joint collaboration with the Ventura County Medical Center Pediatric Hematology/Oncology; Community Memorial Hospital Cancer Resource Center; The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura; St. John’s Cancer Center of Ventura County, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the American Cancer Society  the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation provides support, education and hope for families with a child with cancer.  Following a family style dinner (sponsored by The Ventura Spaghetti Company)three cancer support meetings take place simultaneously: A support group for parents of children with cancer, and two expressive art and discussion groups for the child with cancer and siblings ages 5-12 and 13-21. The programs take place at the Community Memorial Hospital Cancer Resource Center, Ventura. Childcare is also provided for children four and under.  This free program is open to any family with a child being treated with cancer.

Loss of Child to Cancer Support Group

In collaboration with Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care of Santa Barbara, this ongoing Education Supportive Group is geared for parents who have lost a child to cancer.  Time of loss is not relevant to participation which encourages openness to the group no matter where parents are in their grief journey.  Parents have the opportunity to bring their diverse stages/dynamics of grief and offer wisdom unlike.  Parents will authentically support/share with others their own personal coping strategies, growth and what they have learned in their grieving experience, giving a sense of universality creating an environment of cohesion, breaking the boundaries of alienation/isolation which is sometimes experenced by this unique loss.  Via utilization of readings, mediation, art and writing/poetry/short stories, participants will be given an opportunity to further reflect on their own grief journey, deepen their wisdom and take continued steps toward healing.

How Can You Help? Donate activities, restaurant sponsorship or volunteer.