Surviving Cancer, and Thriving
Cancer survivorship brings new challenges to children, adolescents, young adults and their families. These challenges can include accessing future health care, delayed effects of cancer treatment, secondary cancers, and quality of life. Survivors of childhood cancers require specialized care that focuses on their unique physical, psychosocial and emotional needs.
The REACH for the STARS Survivorship Program at Connecticut Children’s encompasses research, education, advocacy, continued life and health (REACH) for survivors tackling all roadblocks successfully (STARS). The unique program provides guidance and ongoing support to pediatric, adolescent, young adult cancer survivors along with access to resources to help them improve and maintain their quality of life.
Patients and their families benefit from:
- Personalized recommendations for late effects based on prior treatment received
- Follow-up evaluations for patients affected by long-term side effects of treatment
- A comprehensive summary of all treatments received while receiving care at Connecticut Children’s, archived online
- Access to the latest wellness information and education to encourage a healthy lifestyle
- Access to a web-based program featuring survivorship resources such as message boards, inspirational stories, and peer support and encouragement
- Opportunities to participate in Children’s Oncology Group advanced patient protocols on the late effects of some treatment regimes
- Inclusion in outreach events including the Cycle of Life, a pediatric celebration on National Cancer Survivors Day
Dr. Eileen Gillan Honorary Scholarship
The REACH for the STARS Pediatric Cancer Survivorship Program at Connecticut Children’s (RFTS) is dedicated to creating unique programs and tools that enable pediatric cancer survivors to reach beyond the boundaries of their diagnosis and fulfill their ambitions while maintaining a high quality of life. The Dr. Eileen Gillan Honorary Scholarships include a one-time scholarship of $1,000 awarded to one recipient each year, and one-time scholarships of $500 awarded to two recipients each year. Find the application here.