It Takes a Village

How CSC Became a Lifeline for One Family Facing Childhood Cancer

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor the strength of children and their families navigating the unimaginable—and to recognize the support systems that help them through it.

At the Cancer Support Center, that support comes in many forms: counseling, art therapy, school-based programs, and more—all offered completely free of charge, thanks to the generosity of donors.

A Mother’s Journey

For Ellen, a mother of four, the Cancer Support Center became more than a resource—it became part of her family’s village.

“For me, as the parent, I say, ‘it takes a village for us to thrive.’ Having four kids can just be crazy. It’s the people who have come beside us and helped. The Cancer Support Center has become part of our village. They have become part of our web.”

Ellen’s journey began when her teenage daughter was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and her teenage son with sarcoma. Then came another layer: Ellen learned she carried the BRCA2 gene.

“I think childhood cancer can feel isolating,” Ellen shared. “I was amazed at how brave and resilient my children were through their journey.”

Finding Healing and Hope

Through the Center’s Children and Family Programming, Ellen and her children found connection, healing, and hope. From one-on-one counseling and yoga to Tibetan bowls and the Tween Art Meet-up, the Center offered a safe space where emotions could be expressed freely.

“The Cancer Support Center is a safe space. It’s a community and resource that’s non-judgmental. If tears are streaming down my face, I can be myself. It’s safe. I can have my moment.”

A Walk to Remember

One of the most powerful moments for Ellen’s family came during the Walk of Hope, just two months after her son’s surgery. They planned to walk a single lap—but ended up completing the entire walk together.

“It was a wonderful experience. A shared bonding experience. After each lap he was still feeling good. We ended up completing the whole walk!”

Support that Extends Beyond the Family

Through the CSC at School Program, licensed counselors work directly with school staff to support not only the child diagnosed with cancer—but also their peers. No one is left behind.

In 2024, nearly 200 participants were supported through the Center’s Children and Family Programming—creating a vital network where siblings, parents, grandparents, and friends can connect and heal.

“Navigating cancer is like a zigzag, and zigzags can be very complicated,” Ellen said. “Being able to talk to someone, like the counselors at The Cancer Support Center, makes a world of difference.”

Words of Encouragement

When asked what advice she’d give to other parents, Ellen offered this:

“We received so much support from the Cancer Support Center, our friends, our church, our family, and from other organizations we are involved with—I hope other families can find a support system that works for them. The Cancer Support Center offers such a wonderful variety of programs—we look forward to attending additional programs that will be new to us, and are grateful for all they offer.”

A Future Full of Hope

The Cancer Support Center exists to ease the burden families face during a cancer journey. Whether it’s a child, a sibling, a parent, or a peer—everyone impacted by a diagnosis deserves support.

Thanks to generous donors, that support is always available, always free, and always full of heart.

This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we honor families like Ellen’s—and the village that surrounds them.