CHILDHOOD CANCER SUPPORT for those living in Florida
Candlelighters of Brevard
Candlelighters of Brevard, Inc. is a non-profit organization offering emotional support and financial assistance to children with cancer and their families in Brevard and Indian River counties. They are dedicated to the children they serve and the families that support them, and recognise that in addition to the shock of diagnosis and treatment, there is a tremendous financial burden, an endless amount of travel, and an overwhelming emotional impact.
Candlelighters provides nearly 20 programs and services that help alleviate the financial and emotional stress related to pediatric cancer, which include assistance with travel expenses related to treatment, utility bills and gas, out of pocket medical expenses, meal vouchers, car care and more.
Additionally, they host numerous family outings, engagement events, and experiences for families to heal as one unit.
CHILD CANCER FUND
Child Cancer Fund is a local non-profit organization based in Jacksonville, FL providing caring support to families battling childhood cancer in their community.
Children who are being treated for cancer at either Nemours Children’s Health of Jacksonville or Wolfson Children’s Hospital are eligible for their programs and services, which include financial assistance for household expenses, tutoring support and more.
Eligible families can access these supports by coordinating with their Social Worker.
CHILDREN’S DREAM FUND
Children’s Dream Fund is dedicated to bringing hope and joy to children and young people aged 3 – 21 years old, living with life threatening illnesses, in the West Central Florida area by granting them with a wish.
Referrals can be made by medical professionals, in addition to family and friends directly through their website.
RUNWAY TO HOPE
Runway to Hope is committed to serving children and families battling pediatric cancer in Central Florida.
Through their Family Assistance Program, Runway to Hope supports the families of children aged 0 - 18 years old, who are actively being treated at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Nemours Children’s Health, or AdventHealth for Children with financial assistance towards expenses such as: rent/mortgage payments, car payments, utility bills, groceries, transportation costs related to treatment, some internet and phone bills, and in the case of bereavement, funeral expenses.
SOPHIA’S HOPE
Sofia’s Hope is dedicated to the over 17,000 children diagnosed each year with cancer! They recognize that in the fight against childhood cancer there must be two simultaneous approaches: research funding which will have a long-term impact, and the development of patient and family programs that support those going through the journey today.
For families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis in South Florida, they offer a variety of fun programs including art therapy, horse camps, Newly Diagnosed Family Kits, Adopt-An-Animal crates and much more. Virtual art therapy sessions, tutoring and visits to the Zoo are available to patients and their siblings from all around the country.
They also offer a college scholarship program to childhood cancer survivors and their siblings, and through their Treasured Moments program they provide families facing financial hardship with gift cards for groceries, gas, Uber, Target, Amazon and more.
Tom Coughlin Jay Fund
The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund's mission is to help families tackle childhood cancer by providing comprehensive financial, emotional, and practical support. From diagnosis to recovery and beyond, they are dedicating to supporting parents who are facing the unthinkable, so they can be there for their families.
Families who find themselves in financial difficulty as a result of their child’s cancer, can apply to receive temporary financial assistance towards household expenses, which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
To be eligible, the child or young adult must be aged 0-22 years old, currently undergoing treatment or having completed treatment within the last 6 months, and be a permanent resident of one of the following counties within North Florida: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Flagler, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Madison, Nassau, Putnam St. Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, or Wakulla.
Wait, there’s more!
Check out the national charities that can also help you.