Lucy's Love Bus Group programs: A space of hope and healing
Launched in 2018, our group programs create space – virtually and in-person – for families to gather, grow, and thrive together through innovative programming that helps children with cancer manage their pain and anxiety, provides their siblings with tools to aid in coping with their sibling’s illness, and offers parents the opportunity to share with others going through similar journeys.
These programs include: Cowboy Camp at Ironstone Farm; monthly Make Me virtual art-based support groups for children with cancer ages 10-20 and their siblings; quarterly Barn Babies animal therapy; and a weekly virtual peer-to-peer group for parents and caregivers who have or had children with cancer.
An account is needed to register for programs; click here to get started or to login!
Cowboy Camp at Ironstone Farm in Andover, MA for ages 6+
Join us at Ironstone Farm in Andover, MA for a special and unique equine-encounter program! Each month, 8 children can register to participate in two different farm experiences, with a 30 minute Assisted Trail Ride and a 30 minute Paddock experience working with the horses in their natural habitat!
Masks are required for all.
Little Cowboy Camp at Ironstone Farm in Andover, MA (under 6)
We will do a craft and make some scrumptious homemade treats for the horses at Ironstone Farm! Then we will visit the horses in their paddock and groom the horses!
This program is designed for children under 6 so there will not be a riding component to this farm experience. Siblings older than 6 are welcome to join their younger siblings at this program.
Masks are required for all.
Make ME Art Support Groups:
“Make Me” is a virtual support space for teens and tweens where we experiment with using art as another tool for self expression. While we hope you will join us each month, this group is held in a non-continuous format to welcome new and returning participants at each session! Everything shared in the group is shared with an expectation of confidentiality (except when health or safety are a factor).
Art journaling can be used to organize, process and integrate experiences, manage stress, pain and anxiety, or just to have a little fun. The only materials you will need are an art notebook (or paper) and something to make marks with - pen, pencil, markers, that broken crayon from the sofa cushions - it all works!
Groups are led by Amy Corral (she/her/hers), a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and yoga therapist with over 15 years of experience in using the expressive arts with children and families to help process major life events.
The second Tuesday of each month will be for children ages 10 through 20 who have or had cancer, and the fourth Tuesday of each month will be for siblings ages 10 and 20 who have or had a sibling with cancer. Groups are held via Zoom from 4:30-5:30.
Keep on Truckin’ Virtual Support Group for Parents: Thursday nights from 8-9pm
Co-founder Beecher Grogan leads a weekly peer-to-peer group for parents of children who have or had cancer to share the unique successes, trials, and tribulations of parenting your child(ren) through cancer treatment and beyond in a safe, fun, and nonjudgmental space. Twice each month the group will open with a 20 minute self-care technique, such as Reiki or guided meditation, that parents and caregivers can employ on their own in times of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty.
Group Programs FAQs
Who is eligible for group programs?
These programs are open to families of children with cancer (or bereaved families of a child with cancer). All interested families and community members must first create an account at lovebusprograms.org.
Are siblings/parents invited to programs?
YES! Siblings and parents/legal guardians are welcome to join programs (with or without the sick child/adult in attendance).
Do participants need to be in active treatment in order to be eligible?
No, participants do not need to be in active treatment to participate in programs at The Sajni Center.
How does a family sign up for programs?
Go to lovebusprograms.org/ to apply to become a Participating Family to register early and at no cost! Create an account, and once approved, you can sign up for any upcoming programs.
Are programs available for bereaved families?
Bereaved families who lost a child/sibling to cancer are welcome to join us at any of our programs.
What is the cost of the programs?
Programs are free!
How do I see a schedule of programs?
Visit lovebusprograms.org for our event calendar and to sign up for programs.
Where do programs take place?
Most programs take place via Zoom or at Ironstone Farm in Andover, MA. Some special programs may take place in-person at other locations, which will be included in the event details upon registration.
If you have additional questions, please contact us at info@lucyslovebus.org or 857-277-1984.
