Cortlandt Manor, NY - There is no better companion when you need a quiet moment than a book. And for children who have just learned that a family member has cancer, a book can console and help them to cope.

Gilda’s Club Westchester at Hudson Valley Hospital Center is asking for donations of new and gently used books about cancer for a children’s library it is developing for its Kid 2 Kid support group program at the Hospital’s Cheryl R. Lindenbaum Cancer Center.  The support group, which starts on March 21, is for children ages 5-12 who have a family member living with cancer. Peekskill’s Field Library recently donated a book cart to hold the collection.

“We are grateful to the Field Library for donating a book cart to the program,’’ said Anne Campbell-Maxwell, Director of Oncology Services at the Cheryl R. Lindenbaum Cancer Center. “We are now asking the public for help to fill our cart with books. We are looking for books that will help these children better understand and cope with the cancer diagnosis of a loved one as well as books that are just “great reads” for a child and parent or significant other.”

Miranda Dold, Director of Outreach and Program Development for Gilda’s Club Westchester, said ideally Gilda’s is looking for books from a list of those recommended for children dealing with cancer in the family, but other books on general topics are also welcome.  To donate a book, call the Hospital’s Marketing Department at 914-734-3794 or e-mail News@hvhc.

A complete list of recommended books can be found on the Hospital’s website at www.hvhc.org. A sampling of books on the list include:

Ages 3-8
Blake, C., Blanchard, E., & Parkinson, K.  (1998). The Paper Chain. Health Press. An illustrated book that tells the story of how one family coped while their mother was in the hospital during her cancer treatment.

Ages 9-12
Ackermann, A. & Ackermann, A.  (2000).  Our Mom has Cancer.  American Cancer Society. An illustrated book written by two sisters about their own experiences when their mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Gives the perspective of a 9-year-old and an 11-year-old during the process of things such as chemotherapy, hair loss, etc.

Ages 13+
Fine, J.  (1986). Afraid to Ask: A Book About Cancer.  Lothrop. An excellent and highly readable reference volume that includes information about more than 20 specific types of cancer, offered in a question and answer format. Addresses emotional concerns as well as scientific facts. Ages 12 and up.

Gilda’s Club Westchester, a leader in support for cancer patients and their families, brought its services to upper Westchester and Putnam residents in February through a partnership with Hudson Valley Hospital Center. Gilda's Club provides networking and support groups, workshops, education and social activities in a warm, inviting place where anyone impacted by cancer can come together to share their experiences.

Offered at HVHC’s Cancer Center are two new support groups: “Living with Cancer’’ for recently diagnosed adults on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 6-7:30 p.m.  and “Kid 2 Kid” for children ages 5 to 12, who have a family member living with cancer, on the third Thursday of the month from 6-7:30 p.m.. For more information on these programs, call Miranda Dold, LCSW at 914-644-8844.

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