Support Groups

Complexly Connected is a supportive space for families raising children with complex medical needs. Although children of families in this group have different diagnoses or symptoms, they share the experience of loving and caring for a child with unexpected, ongoing or medically complex challenges. This group is about connection — reducing isolation and building community with others who truly understand this journey. 

• When: Complexly Connected meets virtually from 6-7 p.m., every other Wednesday. 
• Facilitators: Darcel Jackson, manager of Patient and Family Experience and the mother of a child with complex medical needs; and Helen Cymrot, a social worker at Children’s National
• Cost: Free

To learn more and see if this group might be a good fit for you, please email Helen Cymrot or call 202-476-4706.

The Bleeding Disorder Parent Support Group is a monthly group for caregivers of children with bleeding disorders. The goal is for caregivers to be able to share their experiences and provide support and connection to one another while managing their children's chronic medical condition. 

• When: Bleeding Disorders Parent Support group meets monthly.
• Facilitator: Marissa Zanno, Hematology social worker at Children's National.
• Cost: Free

Please email Marissa Zanno for more information and if you are interested in joining the group. 

Together, through conversation, storytelling, journaling and weekly activities, we create space to grieve, honor the ongoing bond between child and family, recognize sources of strength and seek meaning after loss. This group of six families meets virtually for six, one-hour sessions. 

• When: We attempt to schedule the time to accommodate family schedules, but our typical meeting time is either 5-6 p.m. or 6-7 p.m. on a weeknight. 
• Facilitator: The Rev. Kathleen Ennis-Durstine, senior chaplain and manager of Chaplaincy Services at Children’s National.
• Cost: Free

To learn more and help you decide if this is the right support for you at this time, please email Rev. Ennis-Durstine or call 202-476-3321.

Through group discussion, reflection and journaling activities, participants will share stories about their child and explore ways to bring their memories and their relationship with their child into the present. Our hope is that by meeting with others who have also experienced the death of a child, participants will feel a little less alone — and that the group will provide space each week to listen to and share with others who understand. This group of four to six families meets virtually for six, one-hour sessions. 

• When: We attempt to schedule the time to accommodate family schedules, but our typical meeting time is either 5-6 p.m. or 6-7 p.m. on a weeknight. 
• Cost: Free

To learn more and help you decide if this is the right support for you at this time, please email Helen Cymrot or call 202-476-4706.

After participating in either a Holding Love or Loving Stories six-week support group, families are invited to continue to participate in a monthly Loving Stories support group.

To learn more, please email Helen Cymrot or call 202-476-4706.

Children’s National está ofreciendo un grupo de apoyo para familias que han perdido a un hijo/a. Este grupo se reunirá una vez por semana durante seis (6) semanas a través de Teams y el grupo se lleva a cabo en español. Cada sesión incluirá conversar juntos, escribir y compartir recuerdos de su hijo/a. Es un espacio seguro para recordar a su hijo/a y encontrar consuelo junto a otras personas que también buscan apoyo para manejar su dolor y pérdida. No hay ningún costo para participar. Las sesiones del grupo serán en español y estarán dirigidas por Catalina Ruiz Mesa, una doctora de cuidados paliativos. Si tiene preguntas o desea participar, Catalina estará encantado de llamarle y responder cualquier pregunta.

Puedes contactar a Catalina Ruiz Mesa.

The BMT/Gene Therapy Caregiver Support Group is designed for caregivers at all stages of the transplant/gene therapy journey.  Whether a family has just completed their first consult with a member of the BMT team, is currently admitted to the hospital for transplant, or has been home for months or years, this group aims to provide community, education and support by creating a space for families to connect with each other. 

• When: The group will meet virtually on Teams, every other week on Wednesday evenings from 6-7 p.m.
• Cost: Free

To learn more and see if this group might be a good fit for you, please email Helen Cymrot or call 202-476-4706.

The Adolescent and Young Adult BMT/Gene Therapy Support Group is designed for young people who have undergone transplant/gene therapy at Children’s National for any diagnosis. 

• When: The group meets virtually on Teams, every other week on Wednesday evenings from 5-6 p.m.
• Cost: Free

To learn more and see if this group might be a good fit for you, please email Helen Cymrot or call 202-476-4706.