Sanofi Foundation Funds School-Based Support Group Pilot Program for Teens Affected by Cancer

For families with school-age children, especially adolescents and teenagers, navigating the impact of a parent’s cancer diagnosis can be complex due to the unique challenges at this age in coping with crisis.

In Central NJ, it is estimated that nearly 150,000 people are living with a history of cancer and nearly 300 people a week are being newly diagnosed. According to national estimates, 25% of these individuals are also raising children age 18 and under. Cancer Support Community Central NJ (CSCCNJ) estimates that this means over 77,000 school age children are affected by parents’ diagnosis or death, not including those young people affected by sibling or other relative’s cancer diagnosis.

According to Amy Sutton, Executive Director of Cancer Support Community Central NJ, “Right now there is a lack of research when it comes to understanding how cancer affects these adolescents and teenagers. There are also few age appropriate resources to help them address the emotional and social issues that they may be experiencing as a result of a loved one’s diagnosis at such a critical stage in their development. What we do know is that the well-being of the children is closely linked to the psycho-social health of their families. By addressing the needs of these young people, we can also address the needs of the entire family.”

Since, 2006, Cancer Support Community Central NJ, under its Support4Families Programming, has been unique in being able to deliver vital, professionally led, emotional and social support to families affected by cancer, at no charge. For young people, these programs empower them with the tools to cope with crisis and grief, to identify their feelings, and develop strategies for coping with stress and communicating effectively. The organization identified that there were no other comprehensive, psycho-social, evidence-based, programs offered for school age teens and adolescents in the area, in the area. So in order to increase access, the organization launched its unique and innovative School Based Support Group Program for teens with cancer or those affected by a loved one’s diagnosis or death.

Thanks to a three-year investment from the Sanofi Foundation for North America, CSCCNJ was able to launch a pilot program on-site at Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School in 2015. “The school counseling team understood all too well the extent to which their students are affected by cancer. They embraced the opportunity to participate in the pilot. Since starting the program, we have seen an incredible dynamic evolve between the teenagers,” says Katherine Schaible, LSW and Program Coordinator for the program at CSCCNJ. “It’s important for teens to know that they are not alone” she continues. “Our School Based Support Group Program creates a safe environment where teens can meet others their own age who are facing similar challenges. The group helps to reduce feelings of isolation and provide a model for healthy coping skills that will carry these students throughout their lives.”

Cancer Support Community Central NJ has already expanded this program beyond Bridgewater and sees an overwhelming need in schools throughout NJ. At CSCCNJ’s most recent state-wide conference for school professionals called “When a Family Is Affected by Cancer: Strengthening the School’s Response”, nearly 15 percent of attendees from different schools expressed interest in learning more about the program. “The needs we see in this area are great. We are honored to have the Sanofi Foundation for North America as our Founding Sponsor for this program and appreciate their leadership in helping Cancer Support Community Central NJ to address critical gaps in cancer support and services for children and families in our area.

To learn more about CSCCNJ’s School Based Support Group Program or any of the organization programs for families affected by cancer at Cancer Support Community Central NJ, contact Katherine Schaible, Program Coordinator at kschaible@cancersupportcnj.org or by calling (908) 658-5400 x104.

About Cancer Support Community Central New Jersey:

Cancer Support Community of Central New Jersey (CSCCNJ) is a registered 501 c (3) (EIN# 22-3804609), and an independently licensed affiliate of Cancer Support Community, an international non-profit organization. As experts in oncology mental health, the organization provides support, education and hope to all people with cancer and their loved ones, so that no one faces cancer alone®. Backed by evidence that the best cancer care includes social and emotional support, CSCCNJ creates a supportive community to help individuals live with, through and beyond cancer. At no cost to patients, family members and caregivers, the organization delivers essential programs and services including individual and group support, educational workshops, nutrition and healthy cooking education, classes to enhance health and wellness and social activities for the entire family. For more information please visit our website at cancersupportcnj.org or call (908) 658-5400.