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CANCER & TREATMENTS FOR CANCER CENTER PATIENTS PREVENTION & RISK ASSESSMENT CLINICAL TRIALS & RESEARCH LIVING WITH CANCER | |
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Home > Support & Survivorship > Patient and Family Support Services Program Child and Family Life Program
If you are a new patient, or are considering becoming a U-M Cancer Center patient, please visit our
Program Overview for an introduction to our support services,
including the Child and Family Life Program.
Protecting the Essence of Childhood at the University of Michigan Health SystemRead about:
When your child is diagnosed with a serious medical condition, the challenges that lie ahead can seem overwhelming. At the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center and C. S. Mott Children's Hospital, a specially designed program supports families whose children are undergoing treatment for cancer or blood disorders. Through various developmental, educational and supportive endeavors, Child & Family Life helps young people and their families cope with illness and protect the essence of childhood throughout their health care experiences. "Hand in Hand" Helping FamiliesChild & Family Life professionals are integral members of your child's healthcare team, both in the inpatient and outpatient settings. Our commitments to ill children and their families include:
Special ServicesChild & Family Life staff plan and coordinate programs for children and teens that are educational, therapeutic, recreational and age-appropriate. Illness-related SupportMedical play and procedure preparation help children understand and prepare for treatment related experiences. Distraction, relaxation and imagery techniques are used to strengthen the young person's coping skills during anxious moments. School Re-entry VisitsTo assist young people with academic concerns and returning to school after diagnosis, Child Life specialists visit schools and educate staff regarding all aspects of the child's illness and treatment. When requested, special presentations are offered for classmates. Academic Support
A certified hospital teacher helps with academic assignments during inpatient admissions. Therapeutic & Social ActivitiesChildren and teens can participate in developmental play; arts and crafts; educational and diversional computer activities; music and art therapy sessions. Visits by Therapaw of Michigan dogs bring many smiles, as do special celebrations and events. Parent ProgramsSocial, supportive and informational gatherings are planned for parents. The Patient Education Resource Center also offers information on support group programs. Sibling ProgramsSibling Day is celebrated periodically at the Cancer Center. The program examines feelings associated with having an ill child in the family and recognizes siblings. Brothers and sisters are welcome to visit the inpatient unit and, on occasion, the clinic. Health screenings are required for visiting siblings. Camp OpportunitiesInformation on camp programs for ill children and their siblings is available from staff. Contact Staff
Donors & FriendsSince 1922, Child & Family Life has benefited from the generosity of community friends, groups and businesses in supporting our enriching programs for children and families whose lives are impacted by illness. Information regarding gifts, special collection projects and community presentations is available by contacting Community Relations @ 734-764-6874 or visit our Wish List for Patients & Families. |
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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center 1500 East Medical Center Drive Ann Arbor, MI 48109 |
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