Building a Support Group for Parents of Children with Brain Tumors

When parents are faced with the possibility of death or disability from their child's brain tumor, it manifests as a daily crisis. Some seek comfort and reassurance in sharing similar experiences within a support group. These groups have much to offer people who derive support from group interaction. Pediatric neuroscience nurses are in a unique position to coordinate and facilitate the development of a support group for parents of children with brain tumors. Although the literature identifies many reasons people join support groups, little has been explored among parents of children with a life-threatening illness. The literature stresses that the success of a group is in knowing why people attend groups and the ability to address the group's needs.