Strengthening Our Schools Conference

BEDMINSTER, NJ—In New Jersey, there are 1,000 new cases of cancer every week, according to the American Cancer Society. Out of these individuals, 25% are raising children under the age of 18, who spend a majority of their time at elementary, middle or high school. Therefore, school professionals are the first line of defense when a child is impacted by a cancer diagnosis. In order to equip these professionals with the tools they need, Cancer Support Community Central New Jersey (CSCCNJ) is hosting its annual Strengthening Our Schools conference.

The free, one-day conference will take place on Friday, October 18th at Sanofi in Bridgewater, NJ. It will bring together school professionals, administrators and child life specialists, to prepare them with knowledge and resources to support a child impacted by cancer.

Sean Swarner, two-time pediatric cancer survivor and the first cancer survivor to complete the 7 Summits, will be the keynote speaker. Swarner has broken through defined human limitations in order to redefine the way the world views success. He will present his unique perspective and experience at this conference.

The plenary speaker is Lisa B. Athan, Executive Director and Founder of Grief Speaks. Athan is a national speaker and has over 30 years of experience in the fields of addiction, mental health, death and dying, and grief. She will present When Students Grieve: How Schools Can Help.

There will be three professionally-led breakout sessions covering a variety of topics, including Mindfulness in the Classroom; Pediatric Cancer: What You Need to Know; and When Cancer Affects the Family: The Multiple Layers of Impact.

This program is just one way CSCCNJ supports students facing cancer.

“The needs of students and each school district are individual and constantly changing,” says Katherine Schaible, LSW, Manager, Outreach and Family Programs. “We are in the schools providing professional support to students, school professionals, and parents—in the form of wellness days, group support, educational workshops, and social opportunities—developed for their unique needs.”

CE credits are pending for NJ and NY Social Workers. Professional Development credits are pending. For more information about Strengthening Our Schools, and to register, visit www.cancersupportcnj.org/sos.

About Cancer Support Community Central New Jersey:
Cancer Support Community Central New Jersey (CSCCNJ) is a registered 501c(3) 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 caring 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; hands-on nutrition and healthy cooking education; classes to enhance health and wellness; and social activities for the entire family. In 2019, the organization is celebrating 15 years of Community + Compassion. For more information please visit their website at cancersupportcnj.org or call (908) 658-5400.