Hayward Children's Resources

     Children show their grief and anxiety in very different ways than do adults. Similarly, adolescents experience loss and serious illness within the context of their own developmental changes. Here are resources to help children with loved ones who are or have been seriously ill as well as resources to help when the patient is a child.


Compassionate Friends
National office 630-990-0010, or toll-free 877-969-0010
Compassionate Friends is a national nonprofit, self-help support organization that offers friendship and understanding to bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings. There is no religious affiliation and there are no membership dues or fees. The group is run by "seasoned grievers" who reach out to the newly bereaved. National website includes link to chat room and online brochure for siblings.
P. O. Box 3696
Oak Brook,  IL    60522

Locks of Love
561- 963-1677 or toll-free, 888-896-1588
Creates wigs for children with cancer from hair donated specifically for this cause.
2925 10th Ave. North, Ste. 102
Lake Worth,  FL    33461

Make-a-wish Foundation
Toll-free at (800) 722-WISH (9474)
Fulfills the special wishes of children who are facing life-threatening illness.
3550 North Central Ave., Suite 300
Phoenix,  AZ    85012

Pediatric Cancers On-line Support Group
This maillist is sponsored by the Association of Cancer Online Resources, providing support, information, and community to everyone affected by cancer and related disorders.


Songs of Love Foundation
info@songsoflove.org
Toll-free at (800) 960-SONG (7664)
This non-profit organization is dedicated to providing personalized songs for chronically and terminally ill children and young adults, free of charge. Professional song-writers, musicians and production crews volunteer to create one-of-a-kind musical portraits.
P.O. Box 750809
Forest Hills,  NY    11375

Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation
310-479-1212
This foundation is dedicated to empowering children, teens and families as a whole while they cope with the emotional trials of both chronic and terminal illness. Site includes "Starbright World", an online community specifically for teens (patients or siblings) with celebrity chat events. In addition, the website has animated presentations and interactive games that help educate children about blood tests, IVs, chemo, managing asthma, etc. Other whole family resources available through this organization include "Great Escape" vacations and a "Share Your Story" feature on the website.
11835 West Olympic Blvd., Suite 500
Los Angeles,  CA    90064

Please Note: Center for Elders' Independence does not specifically endorse the activities of these organizations, but offers their information as a sample of the kinds of materials and services that are available.