Wonders & Worries is a nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)) based in Austin, Texas, that provides professional support for children through a parent's illness, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Lou Gehrig's disease, posttraumatic stress disorder and Alzheimer's disease. Services are provided without charge in English or Spanish by a Certified Child Life Specialist to families in Central Texas. Pilot programs have been implemented in Raleigh, North Carolina; Ottawa, Canada; and San Antonio, Texas. A randomized clinical trial for the organization's curriculum is underway.

History

Wonders & Worries was launched with the support of the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF), which provided funding in spring 2001 to conduct a pilot support group for children who had a parent with cancer. LAF provided an additional grant in fall 2001 to expand services to include a school-age support group, an adolescent support group, individual counseling for children who have a parent with cancer, and quarterly social functions to reunite Wonders & Worries clients.

Services

Individual Sessions: for children aged 2–18yrs Group Sessions: helping children aged 5+ meet other children coping with similar experiences Child/Parent Relationship Training Classes: teaching parents how to reconnect with their children during an illness or following a loss Informal Support / Recreational Group Activities – allowing families to enjoy being together in a fun, relaxing environment Bereavement Support Sessions – helping families prepare for the end of life and gain skills that will help them cope with the loss