THE DIAGNOSIS OF CANCER CAN BE a frightening and isolating experience. Every parent of a child with cancer has a story to tell of lost or strained relationships. Yet we are social creatures, reliant on a web of support from family, friends, neighbors, and religious communities. We need the presence of people who not only care for us, but who sincerely try to understand what we are feeling.

Members of families struck by childhood cancer—parents, the child with cancer, and siblings—often turn to hospital social workers, support groups, therapists, clergy, and camps for support. This chapter offers information about these resources, which can help families regain a sense of control over their lives and find wonderful new friends who understand what they are going through.