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If you have a child with cancer and live in the Central New England Area, or if you have a child living in the United States requiring medical help for cancer at a New England hospital, we can help:
E-mail Margaret White, Director of Family Support and Services to Become a Why Me Family or call (508) 757-7734.
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For the past twenty-three years families facing childhood cancer have found answers, support, real help and community at Why Me and at their Sherry's House residence. You are not alone. Let us help connect you with our caring and supportive staff and with other children and families who can be a comfort to you.
Daily support available when and where you need us, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We're there for you: In your home, at the hospital and at Sherry's House, helping you through treatment and beyond. |
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Margaret White, Director Family Support and Services 
For 23 years, Margaret White has worked with nearly every child with cancer referred to us by the University of Massachusets Memorial Medical Center, Pediatric Oncology Clinic or other hospitals in Boston such as Mass General. Margaret provides invaluable support and guidance with a high degree of sensitivity having experienced childhood cancer with her son. You may reach Margaret by calling her at (508) 757-7734.
Cancer Information
Our Director of Family Support and skilled volunteers are available to help you find the information, resources and services you need to fight cancer.
In Hospital Assistance
Each new child diagnosed with cancer at UMass and at Boston area hospitals can be referred directly to Margaret White, Director Family Support and Services for support and service coordination. If you wish to contact Margaret, please call (508) 757-7734.
Information, resources, referrals
Attends clinic and supports you through the treatment process
Social and Support Visits in clinic and hospital: Bringing coffee, donuts and activities for the kids
Why Me Pediatric Hematology Social Hour: Arranges once a week social hour for parents in hospital
Parents Essentials Kits: Phone calling cards, gas cards, toiletries, journal books, quilt, teddy bear, crossword puzzles, snacks
Financial Support - Why Me Family Fund (at UMass Medical Center)
Emergency funds for food, transportation, and in-hospital needs.
Sherry’s House
The warmth and camaraderie of Sherry’s House stand in sharp contrast to the isolation of a hotel room during the many weeks and months of treatment. In the lively atmosphere of Sherry’s House, it can be hard to remember the challenges these children and families face. Sherry’s House gives children a place to be kids for a while instead of patients. At the end of a treatment day, they can leave behind the IV drips, the needles, the nurses and doctors, and the pain and return to Sherry’s House to the comforting presence of their family and of caring staff and volunteers.
© Individual & group support for children with cancer, for parents and for siblings
© Individual & bereavement group support for parents and for siblings
© Individualized tutoring
© Massage & Reiki for children and parents
© Little Group Workshop – art therapy for children with cancer ages 2-5
© Family activities, birthday parties, special events
© A temporary home-away-from-home - Sherry’s House provides a family-centered residence with a deep concern for the child and the whole family as they experience the challenges of childhood cancer. The eight bedroom residence is offered to families from throughout New England and the USA whose child is in active treatment at children’s cancer centers at Massachusetts General Hospital, UMass Memorial Medical Center, etc.
© Apartment for families whose child is under hospice care or a child recovering from bone marrow transplant
© Volunteer Center & Why Me office headquarters
Emotional Support & Loving Touches - bring a smile to a child's face
- Cuddly Teddy Bears
- Puppet Play
- Clown Visits
- Celebrations: treatment milestones, Birthdays, special occasions
- Music, movies, books, toys, games & video games
- Treasure Chest in hospital
- Picnics and Entertainment Outings
Keeping Families Connected - Family Fun Activities connect with other families who understand
Family Retreat Getaways: Helping families heal, together, at a difficult time
Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Cape Cod, Sutton Falls Campground
Emotional Support for the Whole Family - Hospitality, Social Clubs & Fun!
Parents, kids with cancer & siblings, childhood cancer survivors
Bereavement Support
Circle of Healing (Parent Support Group) and Mixture of Memories (Siblings Support Group) meets at Sherry's House
Dinner 6:00 PM, Group meeting 7:00 - 8:30 PM. Please RSVP for Dinner.
Scheduled Dates for Support Group Meetings: Oct 23, Nov 20 and Dec 18
Educational Intervention and Advocacy
Helping your child be academically successful and stay connected to school and friends.
Tutoring programs for child cancer patients and siblings
Children's library at Sherry's House with Internet access
Interaction with teacher(s) and schools to keep kids connected to learning and support
Financial Assistance - Limited funding, determined on a family by family basis, to assist with medicine, pain management, wigs, nutritional supplements, clothing, food, and emergency needs.
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