History:

Meredith Cooper, MS, CCLS, LPCI and Melissa Hicks, MS, CCLS, LPC, RPT are two child life specialists who have attended to the psychosocial needs of children with cancer and blood disorders for several years. Meredith worked in the Austin community and Melissa relocated to Austin from Atlanta, GA. Both began work with pediatric oncology patients and children affected by other chronic illnesses. This work expanded to work with children who have a parent with a chronic illness, primarily with cancer. Jointly, they recognized the need form formalized psychosocial services for children and adolescents who have a parent diagnosed with a chronic illness. It is well documented that illness in one family member has significant impact on others in the family.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation generously provided funding to conduct a pilot support group for children who have a parent with cancer in the Spring of 2001. Upon completion, the program was evaluated and shown to be extremely beneficial for the children and families involved. Wonders & Worries was incorporated on August 8, 2001 and the necessary paperwork was filed to obtain 501 (c) 3 status from the Internal Revenue Service.

Seeing the value of the service and possible opportunities for growth, The Lance Armstrong Foundation was again approached for additional funding. Their grant in the Fall of 2001 allowed expansion of services to include a school age support group, and adolescent support group, individual counseling for children who have a parent with cancer and a social function for reunion of all Wonders & Worries participants.

From there, Wonders & Worries, with the support of Founding Partner, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, began expanding to provide comprehensive services
to children, youth and families impacted by chronic and/or life threatening
illnesses. For Wonders & Worries services, the participant can be a child
coping with a parent's illness, a sibling, or the child/young person who has
been diagnosed with the illness.