CCC offers support programs and outings for all ages that give families the opportunity to connect with others who can relate to their experience.
We know that a childhood cancer diagnosis affects the entire family, not just the child being treated. That’s why CCC provides programs and activities for childhood cancer fighters, their siblings and parents/caregivers, as well as the whole family together.
Download a PDF of CCC’s 2023 Programs At-a-Glance flyer!
Visit CCC’s event calendar on the main website!
Meeting other families who understand the journey is a great resource for childhood cancer families. To help families connect, CCC offers outings across the state throughout the year like a day at a pumpkin patch, picnic, baseball games and more. Download the Programs At-a-Glance flyer above for a list of outings.
A bimonthly support program, Comfort Connection offers caregivers of a child with cancer, regardless of treatment outcome, time to connect and share. This group meets at the CCC office in Johnston, and also goes on fun outings throughout the Des Moines metro. Dinner and childcare are provided at office gatherings. See upcoming Comfort Connection dates.
Families get a fun-filled event with free supplies, crafts and a meal at our Back to School Bash every year before school starts. Dinner is served and each child that attends receives school supplies, all donated by the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation. Find out this year’s date in the Programs At-a-Glance flyer above.
A special event held in December for CCC kids, our Holiday Drop-Off party is a time for attendees to enjoy crafts, sip hot cocoa, play games and have fun while caregivers get to use the time for themselves. Find out this year’s date in the Programs At-a-Glance flyer above.
On the first Saturday of the month, CCC Kids Club is hosted at the Jeff and Deb Hansen Home for Hope. Kids of all ages create arts and crafts, play games and connect with other children. See upcoming Kids Club dates.
When families affected by childhood cancer could use some extra joy and support during the holiday season, CCC’s Winter Wishes program connects donors with these families in Iowa to provide gifts for the entire family.
Eligible families who are undergoing active treatment are referred from Blank Children’s Hospital and University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
Adventures matter, and the ability to get away and hit the road can mean a celebration or turning point in a child’s course of cancer treatment. To support families battling childhood cancer, the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation offers “A Special Adventure” in partnership with Children’s Cancer Connection as a way to provide families access to an all-Iowa weekend getaway to make memories together and have fun.
A Special Adventure trips highlight many of the fun destinations Iowa has to offer including children’s museums, amusement parks, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, water parks, unique restaurants, ice cream parlors and more.
This program is for Children’s Cancer Connection families with at least one child in the household who is 18 or younger at the time of application. Up to 40 families will be able to attend these trips annually and families are chosen at the discretion of the Application Committee.
Questions? Email the CCC Team.
Teenagers face additional stressors among their age group and need even more support and connection. CCC’s teen events and programs provide opportunities for teens who’ve had cancer and their siblings to connect with others who understand and can relate to their journey.
Teen Hangouts and Lock-Ins:
Teens get to have fun and connect with friends at hangouts and lock-ins. Teen Hangouts consist of gatherings at the Jeff and Deb Hansen Home for Hope as well as fun outings throughout the Des Mines metro, while Teen Lock-ins are offered twice a year. See upcoming dates.
Exploration Expedition
Every year teens take an adventure to new places while building friendships at Exploration Expedition. CCC staff members pick up and chaperone the teens to fun and historical parts of Iowa. Download the Programs At-a-Glance flyer above for this year’s dates.
Empowering Scholarships
To help with the cost of furthering education, CCC provides scholarships for book reimbursement and tuition assistance, funded by loyal supporters. The application period is Nov. 1-Jan. 31. Learn more.
Questions? Email the CCC Team.