Helping kids cope when a loved one has cancer is the goal of a support group for children and teens at the Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC) at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio.
“‘I Count, Too’ is designed to help children and teens identify their feelings about cancer and how it affects them personally,” said Mary Jackson, RN, M.S.N., director of Patient and Family Services at CTRC. “Kids learn strategies for coping with feelings and taking care of themselves.”
Class led by professional counselorsLearning happens with pizza, music, games, play and other creative activities. Licensed professional counselors Kathryn Campbell, M.A., LPC, and Christina Villarreal, Ph.D., LPC, work with children in two age groups, 5-11 and 12-17.
The support group meets once a week for four weeks starting Thursday, Sept. 3, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the CTRC library, just inside the first floor entrance of the Grossman Building, 7979 Wurzbach. The following issues are addressed during the four-week session:
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- Week 1: Tour of the Cancer Center. Children learn basic information about cancer, treatment and side effects.
- Week 2: Fears and Worries. Children engage in activities to help express their worries and concerns.
- Week 3: Gifts and Losses. Children explore their feelings and discover unexpected gifts.
- Week 4: Hopes and Dreams. Children learn techniques to achieve their dreams.
Children are welcome to join at no charge but pre-registration is required. To sign up or learn more information, contact
Mary Jackson, 450-5774.
