Programs: Teddy bear cancer foundation was founded in 2002 and its mission is to empower families living in santa barbara, ventura, and san luis obispo counties that have a child with cancer by providing financial, educational, and emotional support. The organizations services benefit families of children diagnosed with any form of cancer before age 18 and services continue until they reach age 21. The objective is to maintain the financial and emotional health of the entire family unit during one of the most difficult experiences any family can go through. In 2017, the organization helped a record 188 families. Financial stability program: the family fundteddy bear cancer foundation knows how hard a childhood cancer diagnosis can be on the entire family--including their finances. We offer the following to low- to moderate-income families to ease their immediate financial burden: direct financial assistance fund: low- to moderate-income families can receive up to $5,000 for critical living expenses such as rent, utilities, groceries, car expenses, or hotel accommodations near the hospital so that parents can focus on their childs healthcare. Relapse fund: for children who relapse, families can request an additional $2,500 of financial support. Funeral fund: we assist families with up to $2,500 to cover the costs of funeral arrangements. Emotional support program: help for the heart teddy bear cancer foundation provides professional and peer support to the entire family, including parents, the child in treatment, and their siblings to ease emotional hardship. Family counseling groups: tbcf offers supportive services, in collaboration with local organizations and licensed professionals, for families during the varying stages of their childs treatment. Bear necessities: tbcf provides items for families such as furniture, appliances, clothing, bedding, and hospital care packages. Family connection events: we host a variety of social events, including family fun days, trips for children and their families, and holiday gifts and parties. These events are developed with care to create a safe environment for families to gain support from and connect with one another. Care for the caregivers: this program focuses on the parents and guardians, allowing the opportunity to build a sense of camaraderie. Events such as mothers spa day provide rest and rejuvenation for the caregivers of children with cancer. Project holiday: families of children in treatment can participate in project holiday to receive christmas gifts, easter baskets, thanksgiving dinners, valentines day cards, grocery vouchers, and more! All items are provided by donors and delivered to the families home or childs treatment location. Educational advocacy program: tools for schoolthis program gives parents the necessary tools to advocate for and successfully support their childs academic career for a smooth transition back to school following their treatment plan. Tutoring services: youth and young adults in need of individualized academic support are provided with $500 of tutoring services by accredited teachers. This program is recommended for those in maintenance or remission. Neuropsychological testing: to help families address learning difficulties associated with treatment, tbcf covers up to $1,500 for neuropsychological testing. Test results are utilized as a tool to understand and effectively advocate for their childs academic needs.
