Supportive Care Services Program
Since JJCCF was created, the Program has been providing emotional/ bereavement support, respite options, advocacy, collaboration, in-kind gift card distribution (mostly groceries), wish granting/matching and access to our other programs.
Its purpose is to provide hope, relieve multiple crises and bridge the gap between mainstream and disadvantaged families fighting childhood cancer. The program impacts the health and wellness of families facing unfathomable challenges.
Our staff in charge of this program is uniquely qualified to respond to the multiple crises families face immediately after being told their child has cancer. It is healing for parents to speak to someone who has been in their shoes and overcome adversity. As an advocate, we help find solutions for families with extreme needs not being met through the normal channels of support.
Our Founder’s first-hand experience fighting blood (loss of daughter), lung (loss of mother) and breast (surviving her own) cancer, helps parents cope with the multiple crises faced after being told “your child has cancer.” Muvdi directly runs the program (one-on-one with each family) with an understanding of the challenges families face during their childhood cancer journey. She is also able to communicate fluently with parents who only speak Spanish. It is comforting for families to speak in their native tongue with someone having a similar background.
The families we serve are invited to attend special events to distract them from their pediatric cancer journey. During the Holidays local organizations (i.e. AutoNation, Miami Herald Wish Book, Children’s Aid Club) adopt many of our assisted families to grant them wishes. Since 2017 we have been partnering with Neighbors 4 Neighbors and BBX Capital inviting our assisted families to a Holiday Heroes event. During the event families have a chance to forget about their serious challenges while meeting Santa, receiving wish gifts/gift cards, decorating their own wreath, face painting and other fun activities.
Bereavement support is offered to assisted families who experience the tragic loss of a child. Families talk with our Founder about their life altering experience and receive coping advice. We also offer our families a closed support group on Facebook, “JJCCF Support Group for Assisted Families,” closely monitored. We share pediatric oncology related news, free offers (i.e. events, gift cards) and encourage assisted families to interact and share relevant information.
