Being a Teen Is Hard Enough: Free Wellness Workshop for Teens Impacted by Cancer

Being a Teenager Isn’t Easy: Cancer Support Center Offers Free Teen Wellness Workshop

Between school, friendships, extracurricular activities, social pressures, and figuring out who they are, teens face challenges every day. For those impacted by cancer, those challenges can become even more complex.

Whether they’re navigating their own diagnosis, supporting a parent through treatment, worrying about a sibling, helping care for a grandparent, or grieving the loss of someone they love, cancer can add another layer of stress and uncertainty during an already difficult stage of life.

That’s why the Cancer Support Center provides specialized support for children, teens, and families impacted by cancer. At no cost.

While many people think of cancer support as something only for the individual diagnosed, CSC’s mission extends far beyond the family member diagnosed. Through counseling, support groups, art therapy, camps, workshops, and wellness programs, the organization supports anyone impacted by cancer at any stage of the journey. Whether a family is facing a new diagnosis, actively undergoing treatment, adjusting to life after cancer, or coping with loss, support is available.

Children and teens often experience cancer differently than adults. While they are navigating the everyday challenges of growing up, they may also be processing a loved one’s diagnosis, changes at home, or feelings that can be difficult to express. Having age appropriate support can help young people build healthy coping skills and feel less alone.

To meet those unique needs, CSC offers a variety of programs specifically for children and teens, including counseling, art therapy, workshops, support groups, and seasonal programs. Registration is also open for CSC’s free Summer Kids Camp, available to any child ages 5–12 impacted by cancer, whether through their own diagnosis, a loved one’s diagnosis, or the loss of someone important in their life. The fun-filled camps feature outdoor team-building activities, creative expression, games, and opportunities to connect with peers who understand their experience. Homewood camp will be held July 13–17, and Mokena camp will take place July 20–24. Email kfriel@cancersupportcenter.org to learn more or register.

This summer, CSC is inviting teens ages 12–18 to participate in a special Teen Wellness Workshop on Wednesday, June 25, from 12:00–2:00 p.m. at its Homewood location.

Open to any teen impacted by cancer, the workshop will introduce practical wellness tools while creating opportunities to connect with peers who understand what they’re experiencing. Participants will enjoy a nourishing smoothie demonstration led by Chris Rosandich, MS, Nutrition Educator, followed by a grounding yoga practice and relaxation techniques led by Marcela Puga, Fitness Instructor and Cancer Exercise Expert.

“Mind-body practices like yoga have been shown to support stress management and emotional regulation in teens. This workshop also creates a welcoming space for peer connection, offering social and emotional support that’s just as essential to adolescent well-being.”

Megan Bonke, LPC, ATR-P, Child & Family Counselor and Art Therapist at the Cancer Support Center.

The Teen Wellness Workshop will take place at the Cancer Support Center’s Homewood location and is free for teens ages 12–18 who have been impacted by cancer in any way.

To register, call either Cancer Support Center location or email kfriel@cancersupportcenter.org.

For more information about the Cancer Support Center’s free programs and services for anyone impacted by cancer, visit cancersupportcenter.org.

Cancer Support Center's Teen Wellness Workshop