Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center

Dwight Powell Children and Family Support Program

Get to know Dwight Powell and learn why supporting families in the cancer journey is important to him.

A diagnosis in the family introduces a new range of responsibilities and obligations, such as scheduling and attending medical appointments that might conflict with school and social activities. At UT Southwestern’s Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, we understand that a cancer diagnosis has a unique impact on each family member, and we are dedicated to helping provide personalized support.

The Children and Family Support Program, made possible by generous support from Dwight Powell of the Dallas Mavericks, provides guidance, education, and resources to help patients and their children cope with cancer.

Types of assistance may include:

Music therapy provided by oncology-trained, board-certified music specialists
“Legacy” work individualized for families to help cope with a terminal diagnosis
Videos and other tools for parents and grandparents on how to talk to children about cancer
Transportation assistance for the cancer patient, his or her child, and caregiver for those who qualify for financial assistance
Family-centered workshops to provide education on employment and insurance benefits, advance directives, and other, similar concerns (Medicaid, Medicare, long-term care, etc.)
School supplies and after-school care including tutoring, camps, music lessons, sports league registrations, and other needs for those who qualify for financial assistance
Cleaning help for the family’s home for those who qualify for assistance
Prepared food and meal delivery services
Special assistance for special needs children
A broad range of other supplies/services, tailored to individual needs

To learn more about this program or to speak with an oncology expert to help identify your family’s emotional, social, spiritual, and financial needs, please contact Alexandra Huffman, LCSW, OSW-C, at scccsupport@utsouthwestern.edu or 214-645-2742.

Families Connected

Families Connected is a quarterly support program designed to help patients and their school-aged children adjust to the changes that occur when a parent has cancer, by helping them connect with other families.

Our next event is Saturday, February 12, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Zoom.

Activities will include virtual games and some friendly competition. The fun doesn’t stop there! After participating, Support Services will mail each participating family an exciting prize and a family activity to do together.

This is event is free with your RSVP. Please respond.

Please call Alex Huffman, LCSW, at 214-645-2742 with any questions, or ask your social worker for more information.