ONLINE SUPPORT

Receiving a diagnosis of DIPG or DMG is life altering for families who face a challenging diagnosis and treatment plan. CBTF & the Marc Jr. Foundation host a virtual support group for parents whose children have been diagnosed with DIPG or DMG. This one of a kind program is the only DIPG/DMG Parent Group run by a Clinical Social Worker. Find support from other parents on this journey. Contact Regina Karchner at rkarchner@cbtf.org for more information.

One-on-one support is available through our social workers. They will speak with you over the phone about any topic of concern to you including questions from newly diagnosed families, transitioning back to school after treatment, long-term effects, and any other concerns you might have. Contact Regina Karchner at rkarchner@cbtf.org to be connected with a CBTF social worker. We also have a dedicated bereavement program for families who have lost a child. Contact Jessica Elder at jelder@cbtf.org for information on our bereavement program. 

The Parents of Young Adult Survivor Group meets monthly and is for parents and caregivers of young adult brain tumor survivors ages 18 and older. It is a non judgmental space to share stories, issues and resources with others who understand. For more information contact Stacia Wagner at swagner@cbtf.org.

The Parents of Teen Survivors Group meets monthly and is for parents and caregivers of teen brain tumor survivors ages 13-18. This group gives parents the opportunity to meet other parents in different stages of the brain tumor journey and share insights, resources and stories. For more information, contact Regina Karchner at rkarchnerr@cbtf.org.

The Parents of Young Survivors Group is for parents and caregivers whose children are 15 and under at all stages of treatment and survivorship. These discussions give parents an opportunity to connect, share resources and stories with others who understand. Contact Regina Karchner at rkarchner@cbtf.org for more information.

The Father Discussion Group meets quarterly and is just for the fathers of survivors. It gives them the opportunity to connect and share their unique perspective with each other. Contact Stacia Wagner at swagner@cbtf.org for more information.

Grupo de padres para familias de habla hispana: Karla Garcia dirigirá grupos de apoyo para padres mensuales para nuestras familias de habla hispana. Comuniquese con Karla García en kgarcia@cbtf.org para obtener mas información.

• Parents Group for Spanish-Speaking Families: Karla Garcia will lead monthly parent support groups for our Spanish-speaking families. Contact Karla García at kgarcia@cbtf.org for more information. 

When a child is diagnosed with a brain tumor, the entire family is impacted forever. We know the typical role a sibling plays within their family often changes, while they are experiencing many of the same difficult emotions as other family members. This is group for siblings ages 8-15 that will meet every other month. Contact Regina Karchner at rkarchner@cbtf.org for more information. We also have a dedicated bereavement program for siblings. Contact Stephanie Angel at sangel@cbtf.org for information on our bereaved siblings program. 

The Teen Leadership Program is designed to empower survivors and help them build a strong peer support network through leadership opportunities. Participants meet monthly and actively engage in activities that promote and support CBTF programs and families, like the teen mentor program. This program is for survivors ages 15-19 that have prior experience with CBTF. Contact Regina Karchner at rkarchner@cbtf.org for more information. 

Teen Survivor Chat is a program designed to give teens ages 13-18 the space to connect with others that understand what it is like to navigate life as a teen brain tumor survivor. Contact Regina Karchner at rkarchner@cbtf.org for more information. 

Stepping Forward is a monthly group for young adult (ages 18-35) survivors. This group is an opportunity for young adults to come together and socialize, discuss survivorship and learn more about resources that can help them live their life to the fullest. Contact Stephanie Freeman at sfreeman@cbtf.org for more information.

Young Adult Chats is a weekly chat for survivors – run for survivors, by survivors! They include games, topic based discussion, and a great chance to connect with peers. These chats take place every Friday at 2PM ET. Reach out to Tom Ha at tha@cbtf.org with any questions.

Find Your Fit is a quarterly group for adult survivors (25+) who are looking to “find their fit” within the CBTF community.

If you feel like you’ve outgrown young adult groups but still want connection with peers navigating similar life stages, this space is for you. Maybe you’ve graduated college and are figuring out your next steps. Maybe you’re working part- or full-time, volunteering, building your career, or exploring new paths. You might be living with roommates, on your own, or thinking about moving out of your parents’ home.

Wherever you are in your adulting journey, this group offers a supportive space to connect, share experiences, and build community with others who understand. Contact Stephanie Freeman at sfreeman@cbtf.org for more information and to be added to the list.

The Young Survivor Group is for survivors ages 8-15. These monthly discussions give young survivors an opportunity to connect, share resources and stories with others who understand. Contact Regina Karchner at rkarchner@cbtf.org for more information.