Helping Kids Cope With Changes

Jean Hartford-Todd
Child Life Specialist
The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke

Jean_Hartford-Todd_CCLSMs. Hartford-Todd provides support and education to adult patients with brain tumors and their family members regarding the needs of children and teenagers in the family. Services include:

Support and education to patients and/or adult family members regarding children's understanding of illness at different ages; talking with children about the illness and treatment in an age appropriate and honest manner; and helping parents determine when a child might benefit from getting ongoing professional counseling in the home community.

Age appropriate support, education, and activities with children and teens regarding brain tumors; treatments; changes in family life related to the illness experience; emotions related to the serious illness of a family member; and developing positive coping and communication skills about the illness experience

Support and information related to end of life issues, grief, and referrals to bereavement support services in the home community.

Information on local Durham resources for family outings, entertainment, child friendly restaurants, etc.

She also oversees the Brain Tumor Learning Center, which provides hands-on learning opportunities for children and adults regarding brain tumors, their treatments, and related experiences.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Brainstorm
• Brainstormseries.org
• Brain tumor
• Care giver
• Jeanne Hartford-Todd