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Family Connections

HOME > CAREGIVERS > RESOURCES FOR FAMILY MEMBERS > FAMILY CONNECTIONS
The Family Connections Program is available for all and is part of the Adult Social Work division of the Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care. This program provides guidance, information, and resources to those who are dealing with cancer in their family.
Family Connections identifies and responds to the needs of parents, children, and caregivers by supporting and empowering family coping. ​

For Family Members and Partners

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For family members and partners, becoming a caregiver for your loved one can change your present life drastically. You are now dealing with the impact of cancer and supporting your loved one while potentially taking on additional responsibilities within the family. It is important that you anticipate what to expect at this difficult time and learn coping strategies. Some resources include guidance around:
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  • ​​Reflecting on your family's needs
  • Forming a support system
  • Reassessing your expectations
  • Taking care of yourself
  • Thinking about your reactions to cancer
  • ​Your role in medical care
  • ​Financial and legal concerns
Once your loved one's treatment is over, most family and friends can expect that your family's usual routines will return back to normal as quickly as possible. However, it usually takes a while for everyone to adjust. It is normal for a survivor to feel some of the physical effects of treatment for a while. Both physical and emotional recovery takes some time, so it is important for everyone in the family to be aware of this process. Some resources include guidance around:

  • How your family's life will change after cancer
  • How children may react after cancer

For Parents

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You may have questions about sharing your loved one's diagnosis and treatment information with your children. Family Connections has resources that can help you decide what is best for your family, no matter your children’s age. Some resources include guidance around:

  • Talking with children about cancer 
  • Questions parents often ask
  • What children want to know
  • How to explain treatment
  • How to help children cope
  • Stress warning signs in children
  • Talking with your child's school
  • Medical terms made easy

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FROM THE BLUM RESOURCE CENTER
Family Connections Backpack Program ​
Another aspect of Family Connections is the Family Connections Backpack Program. Located in the Blum Resource Center, there are age-appropriate backpacks filled with information and creative relaxation materials to help children through the difficult time of dealing with a parent who has cancer. Each backpack is accompanied by a binder for parents.  

We have provided printable versions of these materials broken down by group below. 
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Age 4-7 Family Connection Pack
Download Pack
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Teens Family Connection Pack
Download Pack
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Age 8-12 Family Connection Pack
Download Pack
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Parents Family Connection Pack
Download Pack
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©2020 Young and Strong Progam at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
  • About
    • Meet the Team
    • Clinical Sites and Services
    • Research Studies
    • Supporting the Program
    • Contact Us
  • Newly Diagnosed
    • Understanding your Diagnosis
    • Genetics and Family History
    • Treatment Types >
      • Chemotherapy
      • Surgery
      • Radiation
      • Hormone Therapy
    • Building Your Network of Support
    • Coping with Your Diagnosis
    • Coping As A Family
  • Life with Cancer
    • Treatment and Symptom Management >
      • Menopause and Menopausal Symptoms
      • Fertility
      • Sexual Health
      • Lymphedema
      • Tips for Managing Symptoms
    • Supporting and Engaging Your Body >
      • Nutrition
      • Physical Activity
      • Style and Comfort
      • Health and Wellness Tips
    • Logistics: Managing the Details of Your Life >
      • Work and School
      • Financial Supports
      • Getting Organized
    • Finding Community >
      • Early Stage
      • Inflammatory Breast Cancer
      • Metastatic Breast Cancer
  • Survivorship
    • Survivorship Clinic
    • Life Post-Treatment
    • Continued Support
    • Pregnancy After Breast Cancer
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Caregivers
    • Resources for All Caregivers >
      • Getting Organized and Managing Logistics
      • Expanding Your Circle of Support
      • Coping: Cancer Impacts Everyone
    • Resources for Family Members >
      • Family Connections
      • Genetic Testing
    • Resources for Partners >
      • Future Pregnancies
  • News & Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Webcasts
    • 2022 Forum Recordings
    • 2021 Forum Recordings
    • Newsletters
    • Insight Blog
    • COVID-19 and Breast Cancer