Resources for Families with Childhood Cancer

At Candlelighters, we know childhood cancer affects the whole family. Our Resources page brings together tools to support you along the way—from our comprehensive Family Resource Guide to virtual activities for kids, mindfulness practices, and crisis support. Care, comfort, or connection – you’ll find it here.

Childhood Cancer-Specific Resources

Your well-being is important to us.

We have just completed an updated and improved Resource Guide for pediatric cancer families. It is organized into categories, including resources for activities, aftercare/survivorship, camps, disease-specific resources, financial assistance, grief and bereavement support, mentorship, lodging, scholarships, sibling support, transportation assistance, wigs and hats, wish-granting, and general national resources. Download the PDF: Family Resource Guide 2025

Fun from Anywhere!

Going to the zoo? Up for the aquarium? What about travelling to the Louvre in Paris? To wind down, a bed time story – ‘Clark the Shark’ read by Chris Pine?

We understand that there are times when childhood cancer keeps kids and families from leaving their home or even their hospital room. Here is a kid-approved list of fun virtual activities for kids and parents to do from anywhere.

We are always open to hearing your  ideas or links to resources that you think would be useful to our community! Please email Nicole with suggestions.

Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
Mo welcomes you into his studio at home and guides you through drawing and writing activities.

Storyline Online
Listen to story time featuring celebrated actors.

Activities for Kids
Book lists and articles to help encourage learning and engagement.

Bill Nye Home Demos
Science experiments to try at home.

Tiny Beans Fun & Games
From the best games and books to DIY crafts and experiments, find everything you need for hours of entertainment.

18 At-Home Ideas to Keep Kids Busy
Useful resources to help keep kids busy, entertained, and learning at home.

Simple Activities with Kids
Easy ideas to help pass the time and make memories.

Virtual Field Trips

Zoo Live Webcams

• Bronx Zoo
• Chattanooga Zoo
• Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
• Houston Zoo
• Indianapolis Zoo
• Kansas City Zoo
• Maryland Zoo
• Memphis Zoo
• Milwaukee County Zoo
• National Zoo
• Oakland Zoo
• San Diego Zoo
• Sedgwick County Zoo

Aquarium Live Webcams

• Aquarium of the Pacific
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium
• Georgia Aquarium
• Monterey Bay Aquarium
• National Aquarium
• Tennessee Aquarium

Mindfulness Apps & General Crisis Lines

Aura
A personalized, all-in-one app for emotional health.

Exhale
An emotional well-being app designed by BIWOC specifically for BIWOC.

Headspace
Meditation and mindfulness for any mind, mood, or goal.

Insight Timer
Free app for sleep, anxiety, and stress.

Meditation Studio
Includes curated courses and collections for delving more deeply into specific topics and areas of life.

The Mindfulness App
Offers an introduction to mindfulness, guided meditations, timed sessions, and more.

Smiling Mind
Practice free daily meditation and mindfulness exercises.

Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor for free, 24/7 support.

Domestic Violence Support
Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), chat live, or text START to 88788.

National Suicide Prevention
Free, confidential, 24/7 support: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Eating Disorders
Chat online, or call or text 1-800-931-2237.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information services: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).