Kids Konnected

The original Kids Konnected was formed in 1993 as Komen Kids by then ll year old Jon Wagner-Holtz after his mother was treated for breast cancer. At that time there were no programs where Jon could talk to other kids that knew what it was like to have a sick parent. So Jon decided to change things by starting his own hotline to help other kids going through similar situations. And that's how Kids Konnected got started!

Since then the Kids Konnected program has operated under the premise that when a parent gets cancer, the entire family is affected and the needs of the children must be addressed. Our program started in California and soon spread nationwide. Find a location near you!

In 1997 Kids Konnected became it's own non-profit corporation to better facilitate growth. Jon says, "The success of a program lies in the tears of a child being wiped away by a caring friend and in the quiet 'Thanks' of a sick parent that can worry less about the emotional stress their illness has on their children." Kids helping Kids is what we're all about. Because of our "Konnection" you don't have to be alone anymore.

24-Hour Hotline
Kids can call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-899-2866. We can answer questions, share concerns, or just listen. Kids connecting in time of need. We never give medical advice, we just share similar experiences. You can also call for more information, or sign up for a konnection in your area.

Youth Leadership
Kids helping kids is the core of Kids Konnected. It is what separates out program and makes it successful. We are headed by kids under the direction of caring adult volunteers. Our Youth leaders attend monthly training meetings which teach them the effective skills necessary to be great supporters and leaders. All of our youth leaders have or have had a parent with cancer - they understand what it's like.

Monthly Support Group Meetings
This is a great time to meet face to face to discuss your particular issues. Groups are headed by our Youth Leaders and co-facilitated by licensed professionals. They team together in groups to help kids share their feelings and gain strength from one another. Group meetings are also a time to learn the facts of cancer. We have professional, medical people attend on occasion to answer serious questions like, "What is Cancer? What is Chemo? Is cancer contagious?" Serious topics...serious answers. We meet in three age groups: 3-7 years old, 7-12 years old and teens. Support Group Listings

Monthly Communication
In addition to our Hotline, Kids Konnected also sends newsletters (now available online) and meeting notices to members so everyone stays informed of upcoming events and happenings.

Resources
Kids Konnected maintains a up-to-date database on books about cancer and coping skills. Bibliographies are available online or by calling the hotline. Click here to visit the books section.

Summer Camps
Kids konnected offers several age specific camp programs. From the Ropes Challenge Course to educational tours for the younger kids to serious challenges for teens. We can teach new skills, confidence and teamwork. Most importantly, you can go to camp and be a kid! All camps are fully accredited and chaperoned by caring adult volunteers.

Karen's Kids
Sometimes cancer can't be cured. This is especially hard. Karen's Kids was designed to meet the challenges of this difficult time, after the death of a parent. Karen's Kids is a five week grief workshop that teaches kids the grief process and helps them work through and live with their tremendous loss.

National Certification
Kids Konnected will help communities start their own programs for kids who have a parent with cancer. When they are up and running they may apply to us for Kids Konnected certification. Certification ensures that all groups are providing kids services they need to cope with a parent's cancer, as well as ensuring that all groups are run with the same basic standard and integrity that Kids Konnected was founded on. Interested in starting your own program? Certification information. For further information on how to start your own group or how to certify your group, contact us.