Tackle Kids Cancer is committed to treating the whole child and family by investing in critical psychosocial programs.
There are more than 500,000 childhood cancer survivors in the United States. As researchers continuously work to increase survivorship rates, care and support services that improve the health and well-being of patients and their families — throughout pediatric cancer treatment and beyond — have become more vital than ever.
Established in 2015, Tackle Kids Cancer is a philanthropic initiative that raises money for pediatric cancer research and patient care programs at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center (Hackensack) and Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center (Neptune).
“During treatment — and after treatment ends — childhood cancer has a lasting impact on children and families,” said Amy Glazer, executive director for Children’s Health at Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation. “Tackle Kids Cancer is with families every step of the way. Our funding helps to provide a range of services to better meet our patients’ and their families’ needs today, tomorrow and long into the future.”
For example, the Cure and Beyond program confronts the lasting health, emotional and social issues that affect pediatric cancer survivors. Two-thirds of pediatric cancer survivors have at least one lifelong medical issue related to their treatment; one-third of those survivors experience two or three long-lasting health issues.
“As the first survivorship program in the state, Cure and Beyond was — and still is — both groundbreaking and essential to the future of cancer care,” Glazer said. “Through funds raised by Tackle Kids Cancer, and a generous grant from The Sohn Conference Foundation, we provide lifelong care for pediatric cancer survivors beginning two years post-cancer therapy.”
Cure and Beyond has a dedicated staff of expert physicians, nurses, social workers and educators offering an array of services for survivors. The program is housed in a separate facility from the hospital, fostering a home-like environment for patients to receive the personalized care they need.
Tackle Kids Cancer funding also has supported the establishment of a Fertility Preservation program, which includes a pediatric oncologist, advanced practice nurse and a dedicated nurse navigator. This team consults both newly diagnosed and relapsed patients at risk for impaired fertility. Based on the clinical situation and preferences of the patient and family, the team coordinates referrals for fertility preservation options.
A full 100% of the funds donated to Tackle Kids Cancer, supported since its outset in 2015 by Eli Manning and the New York Giants, stay in New Jersey and directly impact pediatric cancer research, survivorship programs, and care and support for patients and their families.
Psychosocial Care and Support
Tackle Kids Cancer is committed to treating the whole child and family by investing in critical psychosocial programs. These important care and support services include:
Social Work and Child Life. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the social and emotional needs of the entire family are tremendous. A robust team of child life therapists and social workers provides vital psychosocial support to patients and their families.
Sibling Support. When one child undergoes a challenging medical emergency or illness, it has a profound impact on siblings. Child life specialists work with healthy siblings, providing them with emotional support and therapeutic programming, including one-on-one and group therapy, bereavement groups and organized recreational outings.
‘Donate to Celebrate’ This Holiday Season
Every donation to Tackle Kids Cancer calls for a celebration: 100% of Tackle Kids Cancer funds stay in New Jersey and directly impact pediatric cancer research, survivorship programs and care and support for patients and their families. Meanwhile, the organization’s funded research extends globally — making a positive difference for children around the world.
How can you help? This holiday season, Tackle Kids Cancer supporters can “Donate to Celebrate” — and participating in this campaign could not be easier:
- Donate to Tackle Kids Cancer at tacklekidscancer.org
- Share your donation and “celebration dance” with Tackle Kids Cancer on social media. Just post your celebration online (Facebook, Instagram or Twitter) and be sure to tag the post #DonatetoCelebrateTKC
- Show your enthusiasm — and commitment — by encouraging friends, family, co-workers and classmates to make their own donations
Each week until the end of the year, Tackle Kids Cancer will share the “Celebration of the Week” on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
