Childhood Cancer
Wish fulfillment organizations (United States)
In addition to the large organizations listed below, many smaller and local organizations grant wishes to seriously ill children. A comprehensive list of wish fulfillment organizations can be found online at www.ped-onc.org/cfissues/maw.html.
Children’s Wish Foundation International
(800) 323-WISH / (800) 323-9474
Fulfills the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses in the United States and Europe.
Clayton Dabney Foundation for Kids with Cancer
(214) 361-2600
Provides last wishes and financial assistance to families of terminally ill children.
The Dream Factory, Inc.
(800) 456-7556
Grants the wishes of children ages 3 to 18 who are critically or chronically ill (has chapters in 30 states).
Make-a-Wish Foundation of America
(800) 722-WISH / (800) 722-9474
Grants wishes to children younger than age 18 with life-threatening illnesses (has U.S. and international chapters and affiliates), regardless of financial need.
Sunshine Foundation
(215) 396-4770
Grants wishes to chronically or terminally ill children ages 3 to 18 (no geographic boundaries).
Table of Contents
All Guides- Introduction
- 1. Diagnosis
- 2. Bone Sarcomas
- 3. Liver Cancers
- 4. Neuroblastoma
- 5. Retinoblastoma
- 6. Soft Tissue Sarcomas
- 7. Kidney Tumors
- 8. Telling Your Child and Others
- 9. Choosing a Treatment
- 10. Coping with Procedures
- 11. Forming a Partnership with the Medical Team
- 12. Hospitalization
- 13. Venous Catheters
- 14. Surgery
- 15. Chemotherapy
- 16. Common Side Effects of Treatment
- 17. Radiation Therapy
- 18. Stem Cell Transplantation
- 19. Siblings
- 20. Family and Friends
- 21. Communication and Behavior
- 22. School
- 23. Sources of Support
- 24. Nutrition
- 25. Medical and Financial Record-keeping
- 26. End of Treatment and Beyond
- 27. Recurrence
- 28. Death and Bereavement
- Appendix A. Blood Tests and What They Mean
- Appendix B. Resource Organizations
- Appendix C. Books, Websites, and Support Groups