CURE Parent Advocate
CURE's Parent Advocate:
The Parent Advocate program has been in place for since 1986. Carol Vattimo, CURE's Parent Advocate, is a full-time CURE employee working in the hospital. As a parent of a long-term survivor, she is uniquely qualified to help parents cope with their child's diagnosis, illness and treatment. Beginning immediately with diagnosis, Carol meets with families to help them understand the many aspects of cancer treatment. She meets with many families of inpatient children daily as well as with outpatients during clinic visits. Carol is one of the few constant presences in their lives while their child is in the hospital or on treatment. Many parents say that Carol was who helped them through these tough times. Email Carol
Parent Support:
Throughout the year, CURE offers educational programs that address the areas of interest for families who have had a child in treatment for cancer or blood disorders. These programs are typically held in the Mark Dillon Friends and Family Room located at the CURE Office and childcare is typically available with an advance reservation.
Information about events is posted on the CURE Calendar, and periodic mailings are sent to CURE families.
For more information about a special event or program please contact Linda, CURE’s Director of Programs.
CURE Comfort Kits:
The Parent Advocate provides each new family with a Tote Bag. These bags contain the Parent/Child Handbook, a "Comfort Kit" with toiletries for an overnight stay, a blanket, teddy bear and other items to help them and their child through those first difficult hours and days.
CURE Hospital Coffee Hour:
CURE holds weekly Coffee Hour support groups that allow parents whose children are inpatient or being treated in the clinic to come together in a relaxed atmosphere to share their challenges and triumphs. Held in the CURE Meeting Place at Golisano Children's Hospital many parents have found these coffee hours so supportive that they return after their child's treatment has ended or even after the death of their child.
Bereavement Support Group
A support group for parents and family members who have lost a child to cancer is led by two parent volunteers, this is a place where parents may talk openly about the loss of their child and receive support.
All support group meeting times and places will be posted on the CURE Calendar.
For more information about the parent support groups please email the CURE Director of Programs
Julie Roberts Children's Memorial Garden at CURE:
The Julie Roberts Children Memorial Garden was established in 2003 at the CURE Office located at 200 Westfall Rd. The site of the annual Remembrance Service the garden is a memorial to the children who died of cancer or blood-disorders. Engraved bricks line the walkway, with names of children who are never forgotten.