Some pediatric hospitals, in conjunction with parent support groups, have developed parent-to-parent visitation programs. The purpose of these visits is for veteran parents to provide one-on-one support to parents of newly diagnosed children. The services provided by the veteran parent can be informational, emotional, or logistical. The visiting parent can:

• Empathize with the parents
• Help notify family and friends
• Ease feelings of isolation
• Provide hospital tours
• Write down parents’ questions for the medical team
• Offer advice about sources of financial aid
• Explain unfamiliar medical terms
• Be available by phone for any problems that arise
• Supply lots of smiles and hugs, and (above all) hope

Families of newly diagnosed children can ask whether the hospital has a parent-to-parent program. If not, ask to speak to the parent leader of the local support group. Often, this person will ask a parent to visit you at the hospital. Many parents are more than willing to visit, as they know only too well what those first weeks in the hospital are like. They are often accompanied by their child who has completed therapy and is rosy-cheeked and full of energy—a living beacon of hope.