The economic burden of cancer can be overwhelming for parents. Aside from medical costs, parents of children with cancer are faced with non-medical expenses such as food, transportation, lodging and family care. Many times a parent must take time off work without pay in order to be with their sick child.
Some experts maintain the cost is even higher.
Parents are further challenged with maintaining their household, taking care of other children, making medical decisions and ensuring the family's financial stability, while trying to stay beside their sick child throughout the nightmare. Parents may find it helpful to talk with a member of the treatment team, such as the child's social worker, to learn about resources for financial assistance. For many families who are used to being self-reliant, this can be a difficult task. Please know that many sources of support were created to help families during difficult times. Families may benefit from government sponsored programs, such as Supplemental Security Income , and non-profit organizations, such as N.C.C.S., the American Cancer Society and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society .