Project H.E.L.P. - Hands Encouraging, Loving & Providing
1. Genre’s Kids with Cancer Fund provides a handheld electronic video system with two game cartridges to each new cancer diagnosis at CHP. If the child is too old or young for a Nintendo DS, they can choose from an mp3/iPod, or Leapster educational game. There are electronic baby toys as well. If the child already owns a gaming system, they receive two new game cartridges. There are 10-15 new cancer diagnoses at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh each month. These games are distributed by the oncology Child Life Specialist.
2. Genre’s Kids with Cancer Fund provides each family with a “go bag” filled with items and necessary toiletries to use during lengthy hospitalization stays. The bags are full of personal supplies for the very shocked and unprepared parent who has just heard the words, ‘your child has cancer’. The bags have notebooks, pens, Tylenol, Tums, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, etc…, and they are distributed by the oncology social workers or floor charge nurse.
3. Genre’s Kids with Cancer Fund has closely partnered with the oncology social workers at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh who selectively refer oncology families to our organization based on immediate need. We are committed to providing financial assistance on an individual basis because the disease is devastating. Its impact is challenging and the needs are great. Some families may need assistance with parking and travel costs while others may need help with child care for their other children. Often, parents take Family and Medical Leave and fall behind on their monthly bills. For the families who travel long distances to CHP, we supply the social workers with gas gift cards to be distributed at their discretion. We serve all Pennsylvania regions, Ohio and West Virginia – if a family is admitted onto the oncology floor of CHP, we will help them no matter where they live.
4. Genre’s Kids with Cancer Fund provides financial support to the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program at CHP for their teen weekend trip. This year Dr. Shaw took 23 cancer teens aged 15-21 to Seven Springs for a weekend trip. Teens who have lived through cancer join the teens who are actively receiving treatment. The ‘experienced’ teens provide support and encouragement for those kids who are just now living through the disease. Adolescents and young adults with cancer have the same needs as their peers. This program is designed to help them stand up as individuals without standing out because of their disease. They experience camaraderie and emotional support while spending time with other teens who have cancer.
5. Genre’s Kids with Cancer Fund offers a multitude of services to families living through pediatric cancer. Emotional support and free family photography with color editing are among these services.
