By Samantha Thompson | Donor Relations Specialist
The friendship and play of CCA’s Chemo Pal Mentor® Program is a big hit among younger pediatric patients, but can be a tougher sell to older teens. Last year, our Chemo Pal team received a referral for 18-year-old Greg, who seemed isolated, and was often alone in the hospital. The hospital staff thought he could really benefit from the program. Greg hesitantly agreed to be matched, and requested a mentor similar in age who would like playing video games. Clearly, Greg was asking for a friend.
Luckily, the team found John, a cancer-survivor who knows the loneliness and isolation of cancer treatment, and who was willing to brush up on his video game skills to connect with this special young man. Instantly, Greg opened up, and the two spent hours together throughout Greg’s treatment. And even though Greg has graduated from the chemotherapy treatments, they stay in touch and get together often. John isn’t just another adult in Greg’s life – he’s the friend Greg needed as an inspiring role model, and as motivation to successfully complete his treatment.
Greg is one of the 250 Pacific Northwest children and teens CCA’s Chemo Pal® Mentor Program has brought the joy of friendship in the past year. Trained Chemo Pal mentors have devoted 6,730 hours forging and strengthening friendships and family bonds, bringing diversion, fun, and activities to kids during their treatment. Chemo Pal mentors also give parents a much-needed break to grab a cup of coffee, talk with doctors, or spend time with their other children.
In 2013, Oregon Mentors awarded CCA’s Chemo Pal Mentor Program with their most prestigious award for mentoring excellence, recognizing the program for exceeding standards of excellence and quality.
With your support, we can match even more seriously ill children and teens with compassionate adults who offer supportive relationships throughout treatments.
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By Samantha Thompson | Donor Relations Specialist
By Samantha Thompson | Donor Relations Specialist
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