Children's Cancer Connection

Children's Cancer Connection's mission is to connect families affected by childhood cancer by providing opportunities that encourage relationships and strengthen community. We serve families with children who currently are or have previously lived, been treated or diagnosed in the state of Iowa with cancer.

We are committed to serving the entire family for the entire journey. We recognize that when a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family is affected. For more than 35 years, we have grown with this idea in mind, continually adapting and keeping the needs of the family as our primary focus.

Children's Cancer Connection offers services to over 850 families annually by providing free resources and programming. Our three main programming categories include:

My Journey Series: We offer a variety of programs aimed at supporting both children and families in the hospital setting.

• My Journey Book: This is a resource offered to all families at the time of diagnosis. This book provides a place for families to store and organize important information and resources throughout treatment. 
• Beads for Bravery: This program offers a visual symbolization for children to share their journey with others. Children receive different beads for different procedures and experiences that they may encounter during their treatment. Beads for Bravery allows children to show their string of beads as a representation of their unique story.
• Courage Store: Bravery Bucks are earned by children as they complete different treatments in the hospital. They can then use these Bravery Bucks to purchase new toys, games, books, etc. at the Courage Store, located in Blank Children's Hospital. 

Support Programs and Outings: Children's Cancer Connection's Support Programs and Outings allow children and families to connect and build relationships with others on a similar journey. 

• Kids Club: In partnership with the Des Moines Art Center, Children's Cancer Connection offers a monthly craft/activity to the children we serve. 
• Teen Hangout: This program offers a safe place for teens to connect with others by doing homework, playing games or just hanging out. 
• Comfort Connection: Through this program, parents can come together to spend time with others on a similar journey. We provide the childcare so parents can take a much deserved break. 
• Outings: Family outings are held throughout the state.

Camp Heart Connection: Camp Heart Connection encompasses all of the camp programming we offer throughout the year. 

• Oncology Camp
• Sibling Camp
• Teen Camp
• Family Camp
• Day Camp