The KNIT (Kids Need Information, Too) Program

Being diagnosed with cancer can be scary for you and even scarier for your children. To help young children of cancer patients, the KNIT (Kids Need Information, Too) Program was created by the Children's Cancer Hospital at M. D. Anderson.

Watch our KNIT Video for Parents

The KNIT Program helps:

• Educate parents on how to help children deal with cancer after being diagnosed
• Children of patients cope through the CLIMB support group
• Patients walk through experiences and transitions related to cancer treatment with their children

CLIMB (Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery) Support Group

CLIMB is a support group that helps children of adult cancer patients identify and express complex feelings brought on by a parent’s illness. During the six weekly, two-hour group meetings, the children bond through the program’s guided conversation and art with other children who are having the same experience. They learn that cancer is “not their fault” and find ways to cope with sadness and anger.

During the sessions, trained facilitators communicate between the child and parent/grandparent with cancer. Children also learn to express, cope with and communicate with other children going through a similar experience. The program is co-facilitated by Marisa Minor from the Department of Social Work and Martha Aschenbrenner from the Children’s Cancer Hospital at M. D. Anderson. Both facilitators have been specially trained by The Children’s Treehouse Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the emotional support of children who have parents with cancer.

Quick Tips for Parents - points to remember as you share information with your child about your cancer

For more information on the KNIT Program:

Martha Aschenbrenner
Program Manager/Pediatric Outreach/KNIT Program
713-792-2489, 713-404-3783 (pager)