Family Support Program

Family Support Fund:
Provides meal passes, free parking stickers, and family outings

This fund was started by the Westerberg family and has continued through the generosity of many donors.

Family Fun Night:
Occurs the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 7pm-8pm at Lutheran General Center for Day Care.
Parents meet separately with facilitators to network with other parents
Kids socialize with other kids and have the option to participate in an organized sport in the gym, the craft/game room, or the quiet break room

Family Outings:
The Center sponsors quarterly outings/events for the entire family free of charge. It's an opportunity for families to be together, have fun, and hopefully relieve some stress. Examples of past events include the holiday party, the Peds in the Weeds picnic, "Christmas Carol" at the Goodman Theatre, bowling, etc.

Music Therapy:
The Center funds a music therapy program that includes the therapist working with patients in the hospital, in the clinic, and in group sessions, for example, the teen drumming group, group guitar lessons, music for tots, etc.

Back To School:
The nurse or child life specialist will go to your child's school and do a presentation for his/her classmates that will focus on educating the kids about the illness, what your child is feeling as well as the classmates might be feeling, and finally, how can the class help your child to feel better.

Neuropsychology testing is recommended for every child. Neuropsychological testing examines a child's cognitive, emotional, and social functioning in relation to having had a brain tumor, surgery, or chemotherapy/radiation. A report is created that parents can share with the school so that appropriate teaching strategies will be developed to meet your child's needs. The neuropsychologist is available to attend IEP's the school, schedule permitting, and the Center's family support fund will cover the cost of her time.

Multidisciplinary Off-Therapy Clinics for children with brain tumors:
Multidisciplinary clinic meets on the second Tuesday of the month for children who have completed their chemotherapy and/or radiation. The clinic is attended by the advanced practice nurse, neurosurgeon, radiation oncologist, oncologist, and child life specialist. Other specialists can be available to attend the clinic as needed.

Children who have had surveillance monitoring or surgery alone without other treatment will attend a separate clinic with the neurosurgeon and advanced practice nurse on Thursday mornings.

On Call Nurse:
An advanced practice nurse in on call 24/7 to assist you with your child's care. You will meet the nurse at diagnosis and he/she will be your consistent contact through treatment and during follow-up care

Child Life Specialists:
A child life specialist who works specifically with children who have brain tumors or cancer will follow the children in the clinic setting and in the hospital as well. The same child life specialist also coordinates the family support program.

Child Psychologist:
A child psychologist is available on site at the children's hospital for support in the hospital as well as in the outpatient setting.

For more information about any of these programs please contact any of the Midwest Children's Brain Tumor Center Team Members.