Helping Families at TGP

Our programs help children, teens and families cope with the impact of cancer in their lives.

At The Gathering Place, our Children, Teen and Family programs are here to support children and teens living with cancer, who have cancer in the family and who experienced a death of an adult loved one from cancer. Our free programs and services help children, teens and families cope with the emotional, social, spiritual and physical impact of cancer.

At The Gathering Place we recognize that when a parent, grandparent or other significant adult in a child or teen's life is diagnosed with cancer it can profoundly impact the family's coping. Our staff, specially trained to work with children, teens and families, are here to provide support through this challenging time. Our programs help children, teens and families enhance current coping skills and build new ones, strengthen communication and build resilience.

Connections: Support for Families Affected by Childhood Cancer

No parent is ever prepared to hear that their child is battling a life-threatening illness. The Gathering Place offers education, emotional support and activities for the whole family.

Someone I Love Is Sick

Someone I Love is Sick: Helping Very Young Children Cope with Cancer in the Family is a customizable book to use when talking with children ages 2-6 years old when a parent or grandparent has cancer.

Individual Consultation

Child, teen and family specialists are available to ease your fear and uncertainty by helping you and your family members understand your child or teen's cancer diagnosis in a space where you feel comfortable.


Support for families with a parent/caregiver with cancer

Children, Teen & Family

Supportive and psychoeducational group for children ages 4-12. Participants will use The Little Spot by Diane Alber to learn how to identify, manage, and cope with big emotions relating to their loved one's cancer. Age appropriate activities and supportive discussions will assist participants with the development of new coping skills among peers with shared experiences. Meets the second Saturday of each month. Facilitator: Whitney Hadley, MA, MSW, LSW, OSW-C


Support for Families Affected by Childhood Cancer

Children, Teen & Family

This interactive and creative group is designed to connect and support the entire family (caregivers, children, and siblings) in coping with the impact of childhood cancer. Families can also connect with each other to know they are not alone in this experience. Meets the second Saturday of each month, 11:00am-12:00pm. Facilitator: Adelle Gates, MA, CCLS

Children, Teen & Family

Support group for parents/caregivers of a child or teen with cancer currently in or post-treatment. This group will provide a safe space to discuss the difficulties of having a child/teen dealing with cancer and its impacts, and to receive support from a community of others facing similar experiences. Meets the third Tuesday of each month, 7:00-8:00pm. Facilitator: Adelle Gates, MA, CCLS

Children, Teen & Family

Monthly group for teens (13-17) who have been diagnosed with cancer, in treatment, or recently completed treatment, to chat in a safe space with other who get it. Take control back and join our first session to discuss what YOU want from this group. Every month we will cover topics decided on by you and important to you. Meets the second Tuesday of every month, 7:00-8:00pm. Facilitator: Adelle Gates, MA, CCLS


Family grief support

Children, Teen & Family

Just as a group of butterflies is called a Kaleidoscope, this monthly workshop is for young families to reflect, build community, and learn skills to process grief together. Meets the second Saturday of each month. Facilitator: Adelle Gates, MA, CCLS

Children, Teen & Family

Grief group for parents/partners with school age children who have had a spouse/partner die from cancer. This group is a supportive space for parents/caregivers to process their grief. Meets the second Saturday of each month. Facilitator: Whitney Hadley, MA, MSW, LSW, OSW-C


Upcoming Programs:

Children, Teen & Family

Collect samples of nature and create collages. These pieces of art will be temporary and changeable. Presenter: Eileen Coan, MA, MLS

Children, Teen & Family

For young adults and families with young children and teens. For this quarter's Family Fun Day grab your peanuts and hotdogs and gear up for opening day by cheering on our Guardians at The Gathering Place! Watch the game, eat up stadium snacks, and play backyard baseball (weather permitting).

Children, Teen & Family

Virtual educational sessions for participants with children and teens in their lives. Topics surround the unique challenges participants face when navigating cancer and family. Facilitator: Adelle Gates, MA, CCLS


Please refrain from wearing perfumes and scented lotions while a The Gathering Place. Many people undergoing treatment are sensitive to smells and find it makes them feel ill. Thank you.

What People Are Saying

"TGP started off as a support system, but over the course of our journey it became much more. The staff did an amazing job of helping me through my chaos, but even more importantly was what they provided my children - normalcy and support. We found community and support. I don't know how may family and I could have made our journey without The Gathering Place." - Participant

Programs at The Gathering Place combine art, discussion, play and fun. Connect with us today by reaching out to Taylor Buss, MSW, LISW-S at 216-455-1527 or buss@touchedbycancer.org.