How To: Bring Tidings of Comfort and Joy to Families Fighting Pediatric Cancer

November 17, 2025

A sponsor group packs Roc Solid Ready Bags to be provided to families who are diagnosed with pediatric cancer during the holiday season.

While the holidays bring a time of family togetherness, peace and joyful memories for many, we know there are also thousands of families across the country fighting pediatric cancer this time of year. For these families, the holidays may feel turned upside down—the magic of the season replaced with hospital visits, treatment and uncertainty. Cancer doesn’t care about the holidays.

For these families, our hearts are with you. We also want to equip our community to support you through the unique challenges this season can bring. Share this article with those in your community who are asking, “How can I help?” during the holidays.

We build backyard play structures so that kids fighting cancer can keep playing even when they have to isolate at home.

Be Understanding and Flexible

Families fighting pediatric cancer may be spending extended time in the hospital, undergoing treatment or isolating at home due to infection risks. It’s important to be understanding, as their plans may change—the nature of pediatric cancer is unpredictable. Here are some ways to stay flexible and still include these families in holiday festivities:

Have an honest conversation with the child’s parents about what will help them feel supported and included this holiday season—and don’t be offended if the help they need looks different from what you were expecting.
If holiday plans have to be changed or canceled at the last minute, do your best to offer support in whatever way is helpful for them. Offer to care for siblings, bring food to the hospital or their home, run errands or provide other practical help.

A Roc Solid Ready Bag provides hope and essential overnight items for a family spending time in the hospital to fight childhood cancer.

Be Creative

The holiday season may look very different for families who have received a pediatric cancer diagnosis this year. That means you may need to get creative in finding ways to share holiday joy and gratitude when old traditions don’t fit.

Bring the celebration to them! If possible, bring the festivities to the family, whether they’re in the hospital or at home. Drop off gifts or holiday treats with an encouraging message.
Small gestures go a long way. Send photos or video messages to remind the family they’re not alone—maybe even dress up in holiday attire and film a fun video to lift their spirits. Other small acts, like sending a gift card for coffee or food delivery, can provide both encouragement and practical help.
Don’t forget the siblings. Brothers and sisters of kids fighting cancer often experience a tough season too. They may miss out on traditions while parents spend time at the hospital. Ask the family if you can include their other children in holiday activities, even if their sibling can’t attend. If you’re bringing gifts, consider something thoughtful for each sibling—even a small card can help them feel seen and cared for.

A small business sets up a Roc Solid tree to raise donations to support our Play and Ready Bag programs.

Be Compassionate

For families who are fighting or have fought pediatric cancer, the holidays may bring up difficult emotions. During a season so centered on family, those who have lost a child carry the heavy burden of navigating memories and grief. Likewise, families no longer in treatment may be reminded of past holidays spent in hospitals.

It can be comforting to these families to know you’re not holding them to expectations they can’t fulfill. Be mindful of the challenges they may be facing and meet them where they are.

Excitement and celebration might not be what these families need to welcome the holidays. Offer to simply be present if they’d rather skip a lively gathering and instead look through old holiday photos or share a family tradition in memory of their child.
Look for meaningful ways to honor the memory of a child who has passed, or celebrate the first holidays after successful treatment. Take time to ask what would be most comforting for the family—and do what you can to make it happen.

The Gular family, whose son Cameron was diagnosed with leukemia on Christmas Eve in 2018.

Showing Up Goes a Long Way

One thing we all have in common is the desire to be known and cared for—especially during the holidays. Even when it’s hard to know exactly what to do for families fighting pediatric cancer, you can’t go wrong by simply showing up and asking how you can help. Let them know you love them, you care about their child and you’re ready to celebrate the holidays right alongside them.

That’s what community looks like.

To inquire about receiving a Ready Bag and/or play structure if you are a family in active treatment for pediatric cancer, click here.

If you are interested in starting a fundraiser to help us reach more families this holiday season, email us at [email protected].

Follow us on social media to see incredible family impact stories and see all the hope we are building this year. And families: join our Roc Solid Families Instagram Channel!