Support Groups
Whether you are facing a long- or short-term medical journey, you don't have to do it alone. The support groups found at Cook Children's offer comfort, understanding, strength and coping skills to help both the patient and family members manage the challenges of care and the stress of your child's diagnosis, condition and treatment. Inside the safety of these support groups, members often find laughter, healing and when needed, a shoulder to lean on.
Mended Little Hearts
Support for parents of children with congenital heart defects. This parent-led group provides a way for parents to talk one-on-one with each other, sharing their experiences, concerns and questions.
Meetings:
Pavilion classroom 5 (Cook Children's Medical Center, below Starbucks)
Group meets the second Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, please contact us at 682-885-4720, or our Parents as Partners team at parents@cookchildrens.org.
Neuro Care Group
Support group via Zoom for Neuro families to connect and share resources. This is ran by the parents, for the parents.
For more information, contact Kate Polentas, katie.polentas@cookchildrens.org or 682-885-7259.
Neuro Family Connect
Neuro Family Connect group offers a more social atmosphere for Neuro families to connect.
For more information, please contact natalie.palau@cookchildrens.org or our Parents as Partners team, parents@cookchildrens.org or 682-885-7123.
Pathways: Chronic Pain Teen Group
This support group offers a safe and welcoming place to spend time with other teens who are navigating the challenges of managing chronic pain. It is an opportunity to make new friends, grow in confidence and skill and have fun!
For more information, contact Kristen LaBoon, Pain Child Life Specialist, at 682-885-4185.
Orthopedics
Embracing Orthotics
A place to meet, hang out and share experiences with orthotic patients and their families.
For more information, email jayne.kernodle@cookchildrens.org
SOS: Spotlight on Scoliosis
Come hang out with other scoliosis patients and meet their families!
For more information, email jayne.kernodle@cookchildrens.org
Sib2Sib program
Cook Children's Sib2Sib™ program provides services to siblings of children living with a chronic illness or life-changing disability, who are or have been patients at Cook Children's Medical Center.
Activities, events and meetings include:
- Camp Courage and Camp Courage Teen
These are fun-filled adventures away from the medical center. They provide opportunities for growth and building relationships with other siblings. - Teen and young adult field trips
Fun outings give teens and young adults a healthy break. - Sibling Saturdays
Your child can join the Cook Children's Sibling Saturdays for opportunities to meet other siblings, discuss common concerns unique to siblings of children with a chronic illness or life-changing disability, play games, enjoy arts and crafts and have fun. It's a chance for us to celebrate siblings for who they are and all they do.
To learn more about the program or to register for the mailing list, call 682-885-5872, speak to your child's Child Life specialist or you can email sibprogram@cookchildrens.org.
T1 Diabetes Group
This support groups is for teenagers with Type 1 Diabetes to find connection and community with other teens! Contact Teresa Bartnicki for more information at 682-885-1065.
Teen Neuro Nights
Support group for teenagers, 13-18 years old, who follow with a Cook Neurologist.
For more information, contact Cami Averill, cami.averill@cookchildrens.org, or 682-885-7421.
Trauma Support Group
Cook Children's hosts a support group for children who are 6-years-old and older, along with their caregivers and siblings, to help address some of the lasting effects that a child might be experiencing in their home or personal life after their accident or traumatic event. The goal of the support group is to allow children and their families an opportunity to process their experiences and meet other kids who have had similar experiences, while having fun together. This group also provides educational opportunities and guest speakers for parents and caregivers, covering a variety of topics surrounding trauma.
If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please email traumasupport@cookchildrens.org or call 682-885-7255. You can also learn more here.