Aflac grant helps fund care packages for siblings of children with cancer

The Child Life program at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital has been awarded a 2024 Child Life, Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders grant from the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation, Inc. The $1,000 award will help fund psychosocial care packages for siblings of pediatric cancer patients.

Research suggests that siblings of children with chronic illnesses are considered a psychosocially at-risk group. They face challenges related to family dynamics, coping and emotional well-being. By offering proactive psychosocial care packages, the Child Life program aims to address these challenges and promote mental and emotional health of siblings.

These care packages are designed to promote inclusivity, normalize experiences and enhance coping and connection with ill siblings. The package will be age-appropriate, catering to children from preschool to adolescence, and will include items tailored to the siblings’ developmental stages. Contents may feature educational books, comfort items such as stress balls, fidget toys or blankets, as well as art supplies, all aimed at promoting emotional and psychosocial well-being.

This year, the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation, Inc., will award up to 15 grants to Child Life programs across the United States. These grants provide support to programs that assist children with cancer or blood disorders, along with their siblings. Each selected program will receive $1,000.

The Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation, Inc., is dedicated to supporting Child Life professionals and their commitment to children and families undergoing treatment for pediatric cancer and blood disorders nationwide.

In 2017, Aflac launched the “Aflac Childhood Cancer Campaign” and became a national partner of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Aflac’s ongoing efforts focus on supporting pediatric cancer and blood disorder programs, treatments, research, and related initiatives.

We thank Aflac for their support of CMN Hospitals at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital!