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Helping Families at TGP

Our programs help children, teens and families cope with the impact of cancer in their lives.

At The Gathering Place, our Children, Teen and Family programs are here to support children and teens living with cancer, who have cancer in the family and who experienced a death of an adult loved one from cancer. Our free programs and services help children, teens and families cope with the emotional, social, spiritual and physical impact of cancer.

At The Gathering Place we recognize that when a parent, grandparent or other significant adult in a child or teen's life is diagnosed with cancer it can profoundly impact the family's coping. Our staff, specially trained to work with children, teens and families, are here to provide support through this challenging time. Our programs help children, teens and families enhance current coping skills and build new ones, strengthen communication and build resilience.

Children & Teens with Cancer

No parent is ever prepared to hear that their child is battling a life-threatening illness. The Gathering Place offers education, emotional support and activities for the whole family.

Someone I Love Is Sick

Someone I Love is Sick: Helping Very Young Children Cope with Cancer in the Family is a customizable book to use when talking with children ages 2-6 years old when a parent or grandparent has cancer.

Individual Consultation

Child, teen and family specialists are available to ease your fear and uncertainty by helping you and your family members understand your child or teen's cancer diagnosis in a space where you feel comfortable.


Our Children, Teen and Family Program

At The Gathering Place, we offer three ongoing programs for Children, Teens and Families currently dealing with the impact of cancer in their lives. Please select one of the programs below that best fit your needs.

KidShop/TeenShop Group

Group for children and teens who have an adult family member with cancer. Utilizing art, play and discussion, children, teens and their parents can interact with families in similar situations.

Child & Teen With Cancer

For children and teens who have been diagnosed with cancer. Siblings and parents are welcome to attend these creative, interactive and supportive sessions.

Bridges Grief Group

Group for parents, children and teens who have experienced a death of an adult loved one from cancer. Includes expressive, age specific, group activities and a concurrent support group for parent.

What People Are Saying

"TGP started off as a support system, but over the course of our journey it became much more. The staff did an amazing job of helping me through my chaos, but even more importantly was what they provided my children - normalcy and support. We found community and support. I don't know how may family and I could have made our journey without The Gathering Place." - Participant

Programs at The Gathering Place combine art, discussion, play and fun. Connect with us today by reaching out to Erin Rafter, PhD, CCLS, - Interim Director of Children & Family Programs at 216-455-1516 or by email at rafter@touchedbycancer.org.