Support Groups

At CHKD, we offer parents, patients and family members access to a variety of support resources. Below you will find a list of available support groups.

XIBS (Extremely Important Brothers and Sisters)

XIBS is a program for siblings of CHKD oncology patients. The program is designed to minimize the harm of cancer on siblings and to provide education and support. The program is open to siblings 5-14 years old.

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, please visit the FASGOT Facebook page.

Bereaved Parent Support Group - Virtual

Open to parents who have experienced the death of a child. This group is designed to offer and provide a safe and supportive environment for parents to share and process their grief. Trained pediatric chaplains and social workers serve as facilitators. The group meets virtually for weekly meetings that are in 6 week intervals throughout the year. Please email GriefSupport@chkd.org or contact Anne Kesner at Anne.Kesner@chkd.org or call (757) 668-9661 for more information and for dates and times.

Healing Hearts Family Support Group on Facebook

For parents and siblings of past and present Cardiac/Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) patients, the Healing Hearts Family Support Group is an active private Facebook group which has an online support group for local families impacted by congenital heart defects. This is a great way for families to connect, gain support, ask questions, and share their journey. The group is being administered by Amber Vann and Crystal McCullough. Please contact them via Facebook, “Healing Hearts Family Support Group (MLHCoVa).”