We Care About Kids With Cancer
Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services exists to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and support their families in the challenges they face.
We provide family-centered care that addresses the emotional, practical and financial struggles for families of children and teens during treatment, families experiencing anticipatory grief and those who are bereaved.
We envision a community where every child with a serious or life-threatening condition has a strong, supported and informed family empowered to fully participate in their care. We strive to inspire compassionate action within local communities to create a safety net of support for the unique needs of each child and family.
Every child going through cancer or another life-threatening condition needs a strong and supported family able to fully participate in their care
When a child is diagnosed with cancer the entire family is in need of support, regardless of socioeconomic status
Every child’s life is precious and their dignity must remain intact throughout treatment
The loss of a child is a unique and special sorrow and families bereaved by the death of a child need on-going care and support
Our reason for existence is an unwavering dedication to providing support to parents and families
Because of these beliefs, we make every attempt to tailor our services to each family’s unique needs
Jacob’s Heart Programs and Services
Serving Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and South Santa Clara counties
Camp Heart + Hands
A weekend summer camp for kids with cancer and their familiesCamp Heart + Hands
Camp Heart + Hands is a free life-changing summer camp where families of children with cancer can forget about their disease and create bonds with other families enduring pediatric cancer, during their 3-day weekend stay.
Financial Assistance
Help with rent, utilities, phone, gas, and funeral expensesDirect Financial Assistance
Jacob’s Heart alleviates some of the devastating financial concerns that come with childhood cancer, helping families with rent, utilities, phone, gas, and funeral expenses.
Case Management
A family's unique needs are assessed and resources providedCase Management and Resources
The Case Management Program provides a complete assessment of family needs and assistance in locating resources to meet those needs. Jacob’s Heart is available before/after diagnosis, during treatment, and beyond, with the goal of continuing to maintain quality of life, no matter what a family’s circumstances.
Palliative Care Training
Continuing education for therapists, coaches, interns and othersPediatric Palliative Care Training
Jacob’s Heart’s Who’s Caring for the Children? initiative trains healthcare providers in the art and practice of pediatric palliative care, offering continuing education for physicians, nurses, social workers and other professionals.
Teen Support
Teen connections, life skills, support, and fun outingsTeen Support
Teens with cancer have unique needs, concerns and hopes. Our teen group creates peer-to-peer connections and fosters emotional wellbeing. Life skills training, cooking classes and fun outings creating life-long connections.
Full Hearts Groceries
Nutritious groceries delivered bi-weekly to a family's doorstepFull Hearts Groceries and Superheroes Against Childhood Cancer
Full Hearts Groceries provide our families with bi-weekly food deliveries that include fresh organic produce, nutritious food staples, pre-paid grocery gift cards, and recipes utilizing the ingredients from the two volunteer-decorated bags. Superheroes Against Childhood Cancer (SACC), focusses on integrated nutrition and wellness for the entire family.
Counseling and Support
Individual, family, and group therapyCounseling and Emotional Support
Families heal through individual, family and group therapy, expressive arts for children, siblings, parents and grandparents. Counseling is offered by licensed clinical therapists, coaches, interns and other trained counselors.
Adopt-A-Family
Adopt-a-family holiday program and toy/gift card driveHoliday Hearts
Holiday Hearts provides joy in the form of personal gifts, financial assistance, holiday meals, and loving support from our generous community and the Jacob’s Heart team + volunteers.
Heart on Wheels
Door-to-door transportation to and from treatmentHeart on Wheels
Heart on Wheels provides prepaid gas cards and door-to-door rides to treatment to UCSF and/or Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford, in the safety and comfort of a caring Jacob’s Heart transportation specialist.
Grief Support
Grief support including practical assistance, counseling, peer mentoring, and moreComprehensive Grief Support
The death of a child is a unique and special sorrow. At Jacob’s Heart, families bereaved by the loss of a child are Forever Loved through comprehensive grief support, which includes practical assistance, individual and group counseling, peer mentoring, memorial quilts, and special gatherings. The Forever Loved Bereavement Retreat, a weekend in November, connects grieving families before the challenges of the holiday season.
Art From The Heart
A quarterly art gathering fostering healing and socializingArt From The Heart
Art From The Heart is a quarterly art event for Jacob’s Heart families. This healing family gathering features multiple thematic art projects. healthy snacks, games, and lots of fun.
Celebrations and Milestones
Milestones celebrated with cards, surprises, wishes, hugs and hopesCelebrations and Milestones
Whether it’s to celebrate finishing treatment, a blessed birthday, anniversary or another milestone, Jacob’s Heart is there with gifts, surprises, wishes, hugs and hope.
Look what we did last year!