Our impact

Five Years of Growing Together

In October 2021, Pickles Group began with a simple belief: no kid should have to navigate a parent’s cancer alone. Since then, we’ve grown from a small community with a big vision into a national organization supporting families across the full arc of a cancer experience, from initial diagnosis through treatment and survivorship, anticipatory grief, and loss.

Our programs have expanded in both reach and depth, connecting more kids and families with the peer support, community, and resources they need at every stage of their journey.

As we celebrate five years of Pickles, we’re looking back at the milestones, people, and moments that have shaped where we are today, and looking ahead to what’s possible for the next five years.

From one program to a continuum of support for kids facing a parent’s cancer.

96,789

Family Cancer Support Kits distributed

2,345

Youth program enrollments since 2021

6,935

Kids supported since 2022

50 states

+16 countries
Where families and providers have received support

177

Volunteers who have facilitated a Pickles program with kids

6,295*

Oncology care providers reached

From Diagnosis to survivorship or Loss: Building an Arc of Support

Over the past five years, we’ve built an arc of support designed to meet kids and families wherever they are and to make sure they have somewhere to turn as their needs change.

Whenever a family needs us
Support that’s available without enrolling in a program.

  • Family Cancer Support Kit, free and available in English and Spanish

  • “How to Talk to Kids About Cancer” webinars, available to watch anytime

  • Resource navigation and support through our team

At diagnosis and through active treatment
When families are finding their footing and figuring out what to say, what to share, and how to help their kids.

  • Family Cancer Support Kit, often a family’s first connection with Pickles

  • Connect Over Cancer, a five-week virtual program for kids ages 6–18

  • In-person programming in Chicago North, with four events each year

When cancer continues or becomes more complex
When treatment stretches on, circumstances change, or kids want a community that can be there long-term.

  • Pickles Jars, year-round monthly groups where kids can build lasting connections with peers

  • “How to Talk to Kids About Advanced Cancer” kit and webinar

Through survivorship
When treatment ends, but the experience doesn’t simply disappear.

  • Connect Over Cancer, including kids whose parent has completed treatment

  • Pickles Jars, for kids who want to continue building connection and community

  • Peer Leaders program, giving teens ages 13–20 an opportunity to use their experience to support others

After the loss of a parent
Because support shouldn’t end after the loss of a parent.

  • Pickles Jars bereavement groups, offering year-round connection with peers who understand

  • Peer Leaders, giving teens the opportunity to turn their experience into support for other kids

“It’s been nice to have a place to go that’s not just talking to… someone who doesn’t understand.”

— Maddie, Pickles Group Youth

  • “I really liked all the drawing activities and interactive activities. They were great ways to learn new things about the other people in my group while also having fun!”

    — Pickles Kid

  • "[What I liked most about Pickles was] the ability to be open about the fact that my mom has cancer, and not having to worry about being made fun of."

    — Pickles Kid, 16

  • "I was really able to make new friends and find common interests. I also brought home some new information about different types of cancer.”

    — Pickles Kid

  • “I sensed a general air of relief from [my son] after his Pickles sessions—even when he hadn’t seemed stressed or anxious generally, Pickles provided a space for him to safely think and feel everything happening with his dad.”

    — Pickles Group Parent

  • “Pickles gave [my daughter] a place where she wasn’t the 'kid whose mom has cancer.' At Pickles she finally felt that someone understood even though her friends had tried their best.”

    — Pickles Group Parent

  • "As we were leaving an event, our son was telling us all about the new friend he made at the event. It was also the first time that we have heard him use the word "cancer" when talking about the illness. A big breakthrough for us."

    — Pickles Group Parent

  • “Pickles Group is a wonderful place for children and teens to connect with each other about their parental figure’s cancer diagnosis. It's a space that provides normalcy and familiarity through games, activities, and education!”

    — Pickles Volunteer Facilitator

  • "Seeing firsthand the connections built not only between the kids themselves, but also between them and myself throughout the program, has been incredible. They showed me different ways of looking at things that I never would have thought of before and that is something I will never forget.”

    — Pickles Volunteer Facilitator

  • "The laughter, love, and hope at Pickles is magical. It’s been beautiful to watch these kids grow and learn more about cancer and about themselves, while making connections with others doing the same.”

    — Pickles Volunteer Facilitator

  • "I learned that I am not alone. Other friends are with me in this situation. We are together!!"

    — Pickles Kid, 6

  • "I learned ways to cope with feelings."

    — Pickles Kid, 9

  • “I learned to think more about the positives with the negatives.”

    — Pickles Kid, 14