Support Groups
At CHKD we want to offer parents, patients and family members access to as many support resources as possible. We offer several support groups right here at CHKD. Below is a list of the ongoing groups available. We are always interested in starting new groups, so if you have a desire to develop a special interest group, let us know and we'll be happy to share ideas.
"Parent Supper"
This support group is for parents of NICU inpatients at CHKD. Come share ideas and experiences and enjoy refreshments the first and third Wednesday of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Neonatal family waiting room, 4th Floor.
For more information, contact Mary Butler or Maureen Heald at (757) 668-7916.
"How To Cope"
This support group is for parents of patients seen by CHKD General Pediatrics department. Discussions include: child development, parenting skills and resources and shared support. This group meets on a designated Tuesday of each month. There is no fee and refreshments are served.
For more information and meeting dates, contact Elliott Levin at (757) 668-7932.
Keys to Survival
This group is open to parents who have children with cancer. This group meets monthly in the evening. Dinner, free parking and childcare are provided. This support group is sponsored by CHKD and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Formerly known as Our Children's Hope.
For more information, contact Karen McKinley at (757) 668-7802.
Munch and Mingle
A lunch time support group to provide education and support for parents who have children with cancer. This group meets monthly. Lunch is provided. Childcare is not provided.
For more information, contact Karen McKinley at (757) 668-7802.
XIBS (Extremely Important Brothers and Sisters)
XIBS is a program for siblings of CHKD oncology patients. The program is designed to minimize the negative impact of cancer on siblings and to provide education and support. The program is open to siblings 5-14 years of age.
For more information, contact Karen McKinley at (757) 668-7802.
Teen Hearts United Give Strength and Support (T-HUGSS)
This group is open to teens with cardiac issues and offers the opportunity for members to share concerns and feeling and for mutual support. T-HUGSS meets the first Monday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m. There is no fee and dinner will be provided.
For more information and meeting dates, contact Gail Cervarich at (757) 668-7646.
Hearts United Give Strength and Support (HUGSS)
HUGSS is a support group for parents and families of children with cardiac issues. This group offers mutual support, educational and social events. Special events include holiday parties and a spring picnic. Meetings are held monthly (evening hours). No fee is required and refreshments will be served.
For more information and meeting dates, contact Gail Cervarich at (757) 668-7646.
Food Allergy Support Group of Tidewater (FASGOT)
FASGOT is a support group for parents and families of children with food allergies.
Our mission is to provide educational support about food allergies to the community. Meetings are held monthly (evening hours). The fee is $20 but there is no charge
for medical and educational professionals. Refreshments will be served.
For more information and meeting dates, contact Michelle Hoang at (757) 284-4450 or visit the
FASGOT website.
Sibshops
Sibshops are lively, pedal-to-the-metal workshops for siblings of children with special needs. Sibshops acknowledge that being the brother or sister of a person with special needs is for some a good thing, for others a not so good thing, and for many, somewhere in between. The Sibshop model intersperses information and discussion activities with games designed to be unique, offbeat and appealing to a wide range of abilities. These two-hour workshops are scheduled at CHKD every month.
For more information or to register, call or e-mail Gail Cervarich, LCSW, at (757) 668-7646.
Parents’ Support Group
A support and educational group for parents that provides a time to share opportunities and challenges of parenting. The group meets at the same time as the Tuesday night Sibshops in the 8th floor family lounge. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate children at this session.
For more information or to register, call or e-mail Rachel Houck, MSW, at (757) 668-7941.