Real Life Counseling has teamed up with Wesley Children's Hospital to provide support groups for pediatric patients and their families. These support groups have been generously funded by Wesley Children's Foundation. The goal of these support groups is to provide a place where patients and their families can meet and support one another through the difficulties of diagnosis, treatment and life change associated with childhood illness. Separate groups will be provided for patients, for parents and for siblings of patients. Dates for each group are included at the bottom of this page.
Goals of Pediatric Health Support Groups:
-
Allow patients, parents and siblings to connect and talk with other families walking the path of childhood illness
-
Encourage, inspire and comfort children and their families
-
Recognize, celebrate and commemorate patients and families at important milestones
-
Educate children and families about navigating the difficult emotions associated with childhood illness
What Is A Support Group?
A support group is made up of people who are experiencing the same type of life event or stressor gathering together to share their experiences and support one another. Pediatric Health Support Groups will be facilitated by licensed therapists and families will explore how to respond to the stress, change and grief that come about as a result of experiencing childhood illness. The support groups are a safe and confidential setting for families who are affected by these life-altering experiences.
Who Is Invited?
All pediatric (under the age of 21) patients, including the following conditions: asthma, diabetes, cerebral palsy, sickle-cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, epilepsy, chronic kidney disease (and all dialysis patients), NICU graduates, genetic diagnoses, or any and all persistent pediatric conditions. Patients, parents and siblings are invited to participate in support groups, regardless of physician or hospital, and no matter what stage of treatment or follow-up care. Even if you are not a patient at Wesley, you are still invited to join! There is no charge to participate. Groups are funded entirely by the Wesley Children's Foundation. For more information, please call Real Life Counseling at (316) 425-7774 or fill out our our contact form. All support groups will be provided in the Wesley Children's Hospital Lobby or Pediatric Unit. Wesley Children's Hospital is located at 550 N. Hillside St. in Wichita.
See below for Parent/Sibling/Patient Support Group dates.