Copelink Blog

As summer draws to a close, many families and kids start looking ahead to back-to-school season—and our CancerCarefor Kids team does too! 2021 marks the sixth year of our Back-to-School Program, which provides brand-new backpacks full of school supplies to children and teens in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

“We recognize how important it is to be able to offer this program to children and teens impacted by cancer preparing for the new school year, especially as many children may be transitioning back to in-school learning this year,” said Women and Children’s Program Manager Lauren Chatalian, MSW, LCSW.

Backpacks were customized based on grade level and included supplies like books, calculators, notebooks, folders, pens, pencils and art supplies. For 2021, the team packaged 140 backpacks for shipping and helped relieve the stress and financial cost of back-to-school shopping for 65 families affected by cancer. Pictured above is oncology social worker and Young Adult Program Manager Marlee Kiel, MSW, LCSW, with one of the backpacks supplied.

Program recipients were quick to share their gratitude for the program:

“My daughter feels a sense of care and comfort being connected to CancerCare—the feeling that there are strangers out there that care about her even though her father is gone.”

“These kids have gone through a lot. So it’s special for these kids to know there lots of people who are supporting them and thinking about them and their overall health and well-being.”

“[The program] gave the children a strong sense of being cared for and being special in ways other than because of their sick sibling! Kudos to you!”

We are thankful to our supporters who make this and all of our free programs and services possible.

Read more about CancerCare for Kids and how we can help children, teens and families affected by cancer. You can also call our Hopeline at 800-813-HOPE (4673) to speak with an oncology social worker or email cckids@cancercare.org with questions.