Written by:
Anoushka Pinto
The journey of caring for a child with cancer can be overwhelming for parents, filled with challenges that extend beyond medical treatment. Recognizing the importance of emotional support, various organizations in India offer support groups tailored to the needs of parents and families of pediatric cancer patients. Here’s a look at some of these support groups and the services they provide:
1. Path Pradarshak Parivarik Sahayak Group (P3SG) by CanKids KidsCan
Description
Services
Contact
Description
P3SG is a group of parents who have firsthand experience with childhood cancer care. They serve as Patient Navigators/Advocates for families seeking treatment and provide awareness and advocacy for children with cancer.
Services
Survivor-helping-survivor activities, parent-helping-parent activities, advocacy for patient rights, awareness campaigns.
Contact
Address:
Head Office:
J-161/A, Gautam Nagar
New Delhi 110049
Registered Office:
D-7/7, Vasant Vihar
New Delhi 110057
Contact: 011-40512467, 011-45512466
Website: Cankids…Kidscan
2. Friends of Max (FOM)
Description
Services
Contact
Description
FOM offers support for patients of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and Gastro Intestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) and their families through interactive workshops and one-on-one interactions with physicians.
Services
Patient workshops, one-on-one interactions with physicians, awareness events, financial assistance.
Contact
Address:
Friends of Max, Secom Business Centre
A Block Basement, Shiv Sagar Estate
Dr A B Road, Worli, Mumbai 400018
Contact: 022-6660 3320 / 21
Email: friendsofmax@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CMLGISTsupportgroup/
Website: Friends of Max
3. Connect To Heal
Description
Services
Contact
Description
Connect To Heal provides emotional support and counselling for families dealing with cancer, offering group and individual sessions and assistance with hospital services and funds.
Services
Emotional support, counselling, information on hospital services, wellness programs.
Contact
Address:
132, 2nd Cross, 4th Main
HAL 3rd Stage, Bengaluru 560075
Contact:+91 7795 779 779, +91 9980 566 805
Email: cancer.survivors.help@gmail.com, connecttoheal@outlook.com
Website: Connect To Heal
4. Saahasa by Cytecare Hospitals
Description
Services
Contact
Description
Saahasa brings together cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors to provide emotional support and encouragement.
Services
Group support meetings, survivor testimonials, counselling.
Contact
Address:
Cytecare Cancer Hospitals, Venkatala
Near Bagalur Cross, Yelahanka
Bangalore 560064
Contact: 080-2217 6767
Email: enquiry@cytecare.com
Website: Saahasa by Cytecare Hospitals
5. Parent Support Group of 'Aroh - Giving Hope'
Description
Services
Contact
Description
Aroh provides psycho-social support to families of children with cancer, offering counselling, support groups, and bereavement support.
Services
Psycho-social support, counselling, bereavement support.
Contact
Address:
Aroh, House No 57, 2nd Street
Sri Lakshmi Nagar, Ganapathy PO
Coimbatore 641006
Contact: 90038 88881, 99526 34484
Email: contactus@arohonline.org, arohonline@gmail.com
Website: Aroh – Giving Hope
6.‘SMILE’ by Adyar Cancer Institute
Description
Services
Contact
Description
SMILE offers group counselling and psycho-educational programs for children with cancer and their families on a monthly basis.
Services
Group counselling, psycho-educational programs.
Contact
Address:
Dr. S. Krishnamurthi Campus
38 Sardar Patel Road
adjacent to I.I.T. Madras
Chennai 600036
Contact: 044-2220 9150
Website: Adyar Cancer Institute
7. Paediatric Cancer Support Group by Coimbatore Cancer Foundation
Description
Services
Contact
Description
This group meets regularly to provide psycho-social support to patients and caregivers, with activities like counseling, workshops, and therapy sessions.
Services
Psycho-social support, counseling, workshops.
Contact
Address:
1435, Trichy Road
Near Ellargi Petrol Bunk
Coimbatore 641018
Contact: 0422-450 4646
Email: cbecancer@gmail.com, cbecancerfoundation@yahoo.co.in
Website: Coimbatore Cancer Foundation
8. Hausla by Paras Hospitals Gurgaon
Description
Services
Contact
Description
Hausla provides a safe environment for cancer patients and caregivers to share experiences and learn coping strategies.
Services
Emotional support, sharing experiences, coping strategies.
Contact
Address:
Paras Twin Towers
1st Floor, B, Golf Course Rd
Sector 54, Gurugram
Haryana 122022
Contact: 08035358702, 0124-458 5555
Email: contact@parashospitals.com
Website: Paras Hospitals Gurgaon
9. Lymphoma India
Description
Services
Contact
Description
Lymphoma India provides emotional and social support to lymphoma patients and their caregivers through regular meetings and sharing of experiences..
Services
Emotional support, sharing experiences, information.
Contact
Address:
D-21, DDA Colony
West Gorakh Park Extn.
New Jafrabad
Shahdara, Delhi 110032
Contact: 8527866569, 011- 22826797
Email: contact@lymphomaindia.com
Website: Lymphoma India
10. Oncolink India
Description
Services
Contact
Description
Oncolink India operates a free clinic-cum-counselling centre three days a week, providing support to cancer patients and their families.
Services
Counseling, educational programs.
Contact
Address:
Office:
2, Dr. Suresh Sarkar Road
Kolkata 700014.
Niramoy Bhavan:
38/1, Sultan Alam Road
Kolkata 700033.
Contact:
98313 08737, 94321 56999
Email: oncolink_india@yahoo.co.in
Website: Oncolink India
11. Saarthak by Fortis Hospital, Mohali
Description
Services
Contact
Description
Meetings attended by cancer patients, survivors, and their families, featuring addresses from medical professionals.
Services
Support group meetings, medical insights.
Contact
Address:
Fortis Hospital, Sector 62
Phase – VIII, Mohal
Punjab 160062
Contact: 97800 09785
Email: meena.batta@fortishealthcare.com
Website: Fortis Hospital Mohali
12. Expressive Arts Therapy by Artscape
Description
Services
Contact
Description
Therapy sessions for patients and their caregivers, utilising music, movement, meditation, and art to foster emotional expression and well-being.
Services
Art therapy, relaxation techniques.
Contact
Address:
Srijon Foundation, B 401, Hibiscus
Near Amarnath Towers, Off Yari Road
Panch Marg, Andheri (W), Mumbai 400053
Contact: 98202 85996
Email: info@artscape.in
Website: Artscape
13. ImPaCCT Foundation
Description
Services
Contact
Description
Non-formal meetings educating parents of children with cancer, offering support and addressing queries.
Services
Educational sessions, child entertainment
Contact
Pediatric Oncology
Room 82, Main Bldg
Gr Fl, Tata Memorial Hospital
Parel, Mumbai 400012
Contact: 91678 80255, 022-2417 7220
Email: impacct@tmc.gov.in, shalinijatia@hotmail.com
Website: ImPaCCT Foundation
14. CanSahyogi by Sanjeevani-Life Beyond Cancer
Description
Services
Contact
Description
CanSahyogi conducts monthly support group meetings for cancer patients and their caregivers, providing a supportive environment for emotional healing.
Services
Monthly support group meetings, presence of doctors, social workers, and counselors.
Contact
Address:
306, Gold Mohur, 3rd Floor
174, Princess Street, Mumbai
Maharashtra 400002
Contact: 86910 00800
Email: info@sanjeevani-lifebeyondcancer.com
Website: CanSahyogi
15. UnCancer
Description
Services
Contact
Description
UnCancer is a mentorship group connecting cancer patients and caregivers with mentors who provide guidance and support in navigating the challenges of cancer.
Services
Mentorship program, guidance for positive outcomes.
Contact
Address:
Room No 304, Incubation Centre
Tata Institute of Social Sciences
V.N. Purav Marg, Deonar
Mumbai 400088
Contact: 84548 22747
Whatsapp: 90040 81343
Email: uncancerindia@gmail.com
Facebook: UnCancerIndia
16. We Can Cancer Support Group by Reliance Foundation Hospital
Description
Services
Contact
Description
This support group convenes every third Friday of the month, providing a platform for cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers to share experiences and receive support.
Services
Monthly support group meetings, talks by oncology professionals.
Contact
Address:
Convention Centre
Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital
Prarthana Samaj, Girgaon,
Mumbai 400004
Contact: 1800-221-166
Email: RFH.wecan@rfhospital.org
Website: Reliance Foundation Hospital
17. Kamalnayan Bajaj Cancer Centre by Ruby Hall Clinic
Description
Services
Contact
Description
The Family Support Group offers monthly meetings to support family members of cancer patients, providing a safe space to share and navigate the emotional aspects of cancer.
Services
Monthly support group meetings, emotional support activities.
Contact
Address:
40, Sassoon Road
Pune 411001
Contact: 020-6645 5573, 6645 5563, 2616 3391
Email: cancercentre@rubyhall.com
Website: Ruby Hall Cancer Centre
18. 'Pink Ribbon Support Group' by Prashanti Cancer Care Mission
Description
Services
Contact
Description
An inclusive support group open to cancer patients, caregivers, and volunteers, focusing on ensuring participants maintain positivity and happiness.
Services
Support group meetings, alternative therapies introduction.
Contact
Address:
Flat No. 1 & 2, Kapil Vastu
(Near Ratna Memorial Hospital)
Senapati Bapat Road, Pune 411 016
Contact: 90756 42496
Email: pinkribbon.prashanti@gmail.com
Website: Prashanti Cancer Care
These support groups serve as beacons of hope, providing a sense of belonging, understanding, and strength to parents and caregivers walking the challenging path of pediatric cancer. If you or someone you know could benefit from such support, don’t hesitate to reach out to these organizations for assistance.
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