Families Facing Cancer

Father has his son on his shoulders as the boy looks at his grandfather Maize Block M Rogel Cancer Center University of Michigan Health Call 734-647-8902 to make an appointment

Our program helps children adjust to a loved one’s cancer diagnosis

One of the first questions a patient might ask when diagnosed with cancer is, "What will I tell the children?" Likewise, a child might ask, "What’s going to happen to my loved one?"

Because cancer affects everyone in a family, the U-M Rogel Cancer Center offers Families Facing Cancer, a program dedicated to helping children of all ages who have a loved one diagnosed with the disease.

Families Facing Cancer educates and empowers adults, helping them support the children in their lives in many ways. The program offers:

  • how to have conversations with children
  • how to parent during illness
  • finding necessary resources
  • Parenting with Cancer Virtual Support Group for patients offered the second Wednesday of every month from 12-1pm. Registration is required and interested individuals may send an email to: [email protected]

For patients who have a child in their life they are concerned about, the program has a virtual resource guide for talking with children and aged-based activity books. Kits are available through a Families Facing Cancer referral.

For further information, call 734-647-8902.  You can also visit the Patient and Family Support Services page.

Watch this 30 minute presentation about the Families Facing Cancer Program

Acknowledgement

Patient and Family Support Services are provided to U-M Health Rogel Cancer Center patients at no cost thanks to generous donations.

Learn how you can help

Rogel Patient & Family Events

See all Rogel events

Mindful Breath & Meditation Practice

The Rogel Cancer Center's Patient & Family Support Services offers this group which teaches breathing techniques to help with anxiety and stress.
Event runs August 04, 2026 - September 29, 2026

Explore Expressive Writing

The Rogel Cancer Center's Patient & Family Support Services offers a FREE expressive writing course for cancer patients and their families.

Movement, Mindfulness & Breath

The Rogel Cancer Center's Patient & Family Support Services offers this online class to promote grounding, stress-relief and relaxation.
Event runs August 07, 2026 - September 25, 2026

Mindful Breath & Meditation Practice

The Rogel Cancer Center's Patient & Family Support Services offers this group which teaches breathing techniques to help with anxiety and stress.
Event runs August 04, 2026 - September 29, 2026

Parenting Support Group

The Rogel Cancer Center's Patient & Family Support Services offers this parenting group to help cancer patients with children through what can be a very difficult time.
Event runs July 08, 2026 - September 09, 2026

Movement, Mindfulness & Breath

The Rogel Cancer Center's Patient & Family Support Services offers this online class to promote grounding, stress-relief and relaxation.
Event runs August 07, 2026 - September 25, 2026

Mindful Breath & Meditation Practice

The Rogel Cancer Center's Patient & Family Support Services offers this group which teaches breathing techniques to help with anxiety and stress.
Event runs August 04, 2026 - September 29, 2026

Movement, Mindfulness & Breath

The Rogel Cancer Center's Patient & Family Support Services offers this online class to promote grounding, stress-relief and relaxation.
Event runs August 07, 2026 - September 25, 2026

Mindful Breath & Meditation Practice

The Rogel Cancer Center's Patient & Family Support Services offers this group which teaches breathing techniques to help with anxiety and stress.
Event runs August 04, 2026 - September 29, 2026