At the young age of 32, Cathy Gabrielsen, a wife and mother of two toddler boys, added "cancer survivor" to her resume. Battling breast cancer, Cathy struggled with the inability to lift, cuddle & care for her boys while she was in treatment. The added physical and emotional stress that came with treatment was something she did not anticipate and was not prepared for. Through her personal experience Cathy identified a need that the healthcare system did not provide to the staggering number of young women diagnosed with cancer: in-home services for the children affected by a cancer diagnosis.
With this revelation, Cathy became a pioneer in cancer support services. She established the non-profit, Cuddle My Kids (CMK) in 2007 to serve as an in-home, no-cost cancer support program offering enrichment and creative play to children who have a parent or caregiver in cancer treatment. CMK provides the cancer patient a respite to focus on their recovery and personal needs while stimulating the children both physically & emotionally through creative play, arts & crafts, books & music. Cathy's vision provides an outlet for kids to express themselves in a positive environment with one goal in mind: having fun! Offered as a six week in-home program with re-enrollment on an as needed basis, Cuddle My Kid's aim is to help increase the quality of life for cancer patients & their families during cancer treatment.
Getting involved in the life of a child affected by a family member’s cancer diagnosis makes all the difference in their world. Find out more about getting involved with Cuddle My Kids through their various programs, events and fundraising endeavors.
The services offered by Cuddle My Kids are FREE. The in-home programs serve the suburban Philadelphia area. Their resources and Creative Play backpacks can be mailed nationwide to any family that qualifies.
For more information on Cuddle My Kids, visit the website or contact Valerie Muckle, valm@cuddlemykids.org or 484-301-3047.
For more information on Cuddle My Kids, visit the website or contact Valerie Muckle, valm@cuddlemykids.org or 484-301-3047.
