Compassionate Friends is a national nonprofit, self-help support organization that offers friendship and understanding to bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings. There is no religious affiliation and there are no membership dues or fees. The group is run by "seasoned grievers" who reach out to the newly bereaved. National website includes link to chat room and online brochure for siblings.
Children's Resources
Information and support services that address the special needs of seriously ill children and their families as well as children who are themselves grieving due to the serious illness or death of a loved one.
Creates wigs for children with cancer from hair donated specifically for this cause.
Fulfills the special wishes of children who are facing life-threatening illness.
This maillist is sponsored by the Association of Cancer Online Resources, providing support, information, and community to everyone affected by cancer and related disorders.
This non-profit organization is dedicated to providing personalized songs for chronically and terminally ill children and young adults, free of charge. Professional song-writers, musicians and production crews volunteer to create one-of-a-kind musical portraits.
This foundation is dedicated to empowering children, teens and families as a whole while they cope with the emotional trials of both chronic and terminal illness. Site includes "Starbright World", an online community specifically for teens (patients or siblings) with celebrity chat events. In addition, the website has animated presentations and interactive games that help educate children about blood tests, IVs, chemo, managing asthma, etc. Other whole family resources available through this organization include "Great Escape" vacations and a "Share Your Story" feature on the website.
Please Note: Iowa City Hospice does not specifically endorse the activities of these organizations, but offers their information as a sample of the kinds of materials and services that are available.