Copelink Blog

For the third year in a row, CancerCare helped families through our Back-to-School Program. This past August, CancerCare was able to provide 190 free backpacks to children and teens affected by cancer in New York City, Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut this year. Each free backpack included notebooks, folders, pencil case, markers, crayons and/or colored pencils and additional supplies. This program contributed to the BOLD Brothers & Sisters program, a free peer mentoring program for teens and young adults who have had a parent or caregiver diagnosed with cancer.

One mother shares: “Jaeden was so happy when he received his new backpack. It’s fashionable and resistant to the weight he will be carrying this school year. Thank you so much-this program has helped med a lot by cutting down on the back-to-school bill!”

“We want to thank you so much. Everything was great and really helped our family tremendously,” shared another parent.

CancerCare’s Back-to-School Program has grown tremendously since the program first launch in 2016. During the first year, CancerCare sent 70 backpacks and the second year just over 100 backpacks. “We are excited to grow this unique program and continue to help so many families affected by cancer,” shared CancerCare’s Child and AYA Program Manager, Sarah Paul, LCSW.

CancerCare for Kids offers free support services for children who have been diagnosed with cancer, have a loved one with cancer or have experienced the loss of a loved one to cancer. Our psychosocial services are also available for parents and caregivers to help educate, support and empower them as they care for their own emotional and practical needs and the needs of their children. All services are provided by CancerCare’s Masters level, licensed oncology social workers.

For more information about CancerCare’s services for children and teens affected by cancer, please visit www.cancercare.org/children or email cckids@cancercare.org.