Fairy Godmother Project

Programs: Family services and financial relief program: the family services program serves families facing pediatric cancer. Due to the lack of a local treatment facility, the families have added stress and cost from driving to dc or richmond, missed work, and extended periods away from their families. After surveying numerous families, fgp determined that parents felt isolated and alone, were in need of support with day-to-day tasks due to the stress and time away from home and that the financial impact on the family was great. As a result, fgp provides services to lessen the stress on the parents and help give them time with their families. The services provided include: financial relief through bill payment which is provided 2 times per year for a maximum of $1000 (all bills paid directly to the biller), monthly meals prepared by volunteers, house cleaning, lawn care, grocery and gas cards. Additionally, the families have the option for house projects and support from partner organizations and businesses that provide other needed services including therapy, mentoring, dog boarding, and house organizing. While these may seem small, the families report a decrease in stress and a feeling of relief knowing the support of fgp is in place. The services are tailored to the needs of each family and allow for changes as their needs change. He organization provided meals prepared by volunteers and house cleanings valued at $17,719. Additionally the organization coordinated the distribution of over $25,000 in goods from a restaurant. Gas cards worth over $25,000 were also purchased and donated for families to relieve stress from traveling to treatment.

the photography program offers portrait sessions with professional photographers to families who are facing pediatric cancer. The goal is to capture timeless memories for these families during a difficult time. The program currently has 20 professional photographers who donate their talents. The families receive digital images from the photographers and a portrait gift from fgp. These sessions are available from the time of diagnosis to one year post-treatment at one session per family.

stargazers program: the stargazers program supports families at the end of a child's life and beyond. Once a child is placed in hospice, additional financial and emotional support are provided. Fgp works with hospice to better meet the family's needs, provides resources, assists with funeral planning and expenses, assists with writing obituaries and provides volunteers for funeral receptions. Once a child has passed, parents are eligible for books on grief, an informal support group, an online support group, cards from fgp on important days, and fgp hosted events on important days.