Children whose moms are dealing with cancer, or have died of the disease, have a hard journey of their own.

Here are some programs that can help:

• Camp Kesem: Kids ages 6-16 whose parents have/ had cancer can attend these overnight camps at numerous locations around the country for FREE one week each summer.  Non-therapeutic, the camps are simply a safe, supportive, and fun place for kids affected by the disease to have a good time being kids with an extra layer of emotional support. Kesem means “magic” in Hebrew; the founder’s goal was “to bring magic to families coping with cancer.” Click Here
• Experience Camps: Offers FREE one-week summer sleep away camp opportunities to hundreds of children who have lost a loved one to help them navigate their grief through friendships, teamwork, athletics and the common bond of loss. Click Here
• Wishing For Mommy: Children under age 18 whose mothers are in treatment for breast cancer currently or within the last 24 months can apply for a $500 FREE grant to make their “wish for mommy come true!” Wishes granted have included spa days, flying in a favorite relative for a surprise visit, renovating the room where mommy spends time recovering, and even money to pay electric bills when finances are tight. Wishing for Mommy is a fundraiser started by Arizona nonprofit Dignity Kids Inc. Applications for wishes are accepted May through December. Click Here 

Here are some resources for the children of moms who have lost their battle with cancer:

• Grief Resources and Support:  National Alliance for Grieving Children offers FREE lists of grief support service providers who serve children, teens and their families. To find a local group, bereavement camps, information on how to talk to children about the loss of a parent, and other resources, Click Here
• Camp Erin:  Offering day and overnight sessions and online programs, Camp Erin is the largest, FREE network of bereavement camps in the country. It is designed for children and teens ages 6-17 who have lost a parent or sibling. Camp Erin combines traditional, fun camp activities with specialized grief activities and peer support. Children can address their feelings and memorialize their loved ones. They also offer grief resources. Click Here, or call 267-687-7724.