Programs
Hopeful Hearts: Parents Supporting Parents
It’s okay to need help – grown-ups need care, too.
The Hopeful Hearts: Parents Supporting Parents Peer Mentor Program will provide compassionate, free, hospital-independent one-on-one peer mentorship to parents and guardians of pediatric cancer patients. We strive to bridge a gap in the pediatric cancer community by offering emotional support, shared experiences, and practical guidance from mentors who have personally navigated similar challenges.
Cancer Hope Network’s Hopeful Hearts Parents Supporting Parents program has officially launched its Peer Mentor recruitment phase, marking the start of a journey to provide compassionate support for families facing pediatric cancer. For over 40 years, Cancer Hope Network has connected patients and their loved ones with trained peer mentors. Our mentors offer not only empathy but also the lived experience of someone who has walked a similar path. They provide encouragement during moments of doubt, inspire resilience, and serve as a powerful reminder that life beyond cancer is possible.
With Hopeful Hearts, we extend this mission by training peer mentors who’ve navigated their own child’s cancer diagnosis and post-treatment survivorship.
Join this transformative initiative by becoming a Hopeful Hearts Peer Mentor today. We look forward to providing support to families beginning in Spring 2025.
By fostering personalized connections, we empower parents with hope and encouragement, helping them to traverse the difficult journey of pediatric cancer with resilience and strength.
Become a Hopeful Hearts Peer Mentor
To qualify to become a Hopeful Hearts Peer Mentor volunteer, you must be the parent or guardian of a pediatric cancer survivor who is at least one year out of active treatment.
Hopeful Hearts Program
What is the Hopeful Hearts Program?
Hopeful Hearts is a free, one-on-one peer mentorship program specifically for parents and guardians of pediatric cancer patients. The program connects families with trained peer mentors who have gone through a similar experience, providing emotional support, practical advice, and hope.
How do I connect with a Hopeful Hearts Peer Mentor?
Parents or guardians of pediatric cancer patients can sign up by visiting Cancer Hope Network’s website or contacting the Hopeful Hearts team directly. From there, you’ll be matched with a peer mentor based on your unique situation and needs.
Who are the mentors in the program?
Our peer mentors are parents or guardians who have cared for a child with cancer. They are carefully selected and trained by Cancer Hope Network to provide support, share experiences, and offer practical guidance.
Is there a cost to participate in the Hopeful Hearts Program?
No, the program is completely free. Cancer Hope Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support to cancer patients and their families at no cost.
How long will I have access to a peer mentor?
There is no time limit on the support you can receive. Hopeful Hearts offers flexible, short- or long-term mentorship, whether you need ongoing support or just assistance during certain stages of your child’s cancer journey.
Can I choose my mentor?
Mentors are matched based on a variety of factors, including your child’s diagnosis, treatment plan, age, and any specific challenges you’re facing. While you won’t choose your mentor directly, we ensure the best possible match to meet your needs.
What kind of support can I expect from my mentor?
Mentors provide emotional support, practical advice on caregiving, tips on managing medical appointments, and guidance on navigating the healthcare system. They can also help with coping strategies and share resources for families dealing with pediatric cancer.
How is Hopeful Hearts different from other peer support programs?
Many peer support programs are offered exclusively through individual pediatric cancer hospitals and may only be available to patients treated at those facilities. Hopeful Hearts is open to all parents and guardians, regardless of where their child is receiving treatment, and is accessible nationwide.
What if my child has finished treatment?
The Hopeful Hearts Program offers support not only during treatment but also after, helping parents navigate survivorship, late effects, and ongoing emotional challenges related to their child’s cancer experience.
Can I become a mentor?
Yes! If you are a parent or guardian who has cared for a child with cancer, have completed one year of survivorship, and are interested in helping others, you can apply to become a Hopeful Hearts mentor. Mentors undergo free training to ensure they can provide the highest level of support.
Resources
Impact Stories
Voices of Hope: Uplifting Stories of Connection, Compassion, and Resilience
