Self Care for Caregivers

Ilene’s Caregivers was launched in 2022 to complete the circle of caring at Lucy’s Love Bus by providing essential support services for our Love Bus children’s parents, guardians, and caregivers. Ilene’s Caregivers offers a menu of self-care and respite options to support parents and caregivers through the long journey of caring for a very sick child and their sibling(s). This program is generously funded by The Ilene Beal Foundation and Parmenter Foundation.

ALL New England-based childhood cancer parents are invited to join one of our free programs: 

• Weekly online support group for parents and caregivers (Tuesdays, 8 to 9PM)
• Monthly online support group for bereaved parents and caregivers
• Monthly online support group for dads
• 1:1 support phone calls with program manager, Colleen Tierney,  cancer parent
• Monthly online Tong Ren sessions with Open Channels Energy- Wednesday evening, 8 to 9PM

One-time funding awards for caregivers is available to all New England parents/caregivers of children who have/had cancer, including those bereaved within the last five years. 

Funding can be used for:
Massage therapy, spa services, yoga, or energy healing for caregivers
Individual/group/partner counseling
Support from an Independent Healthcare Advocate
Respite Weekend Retreats
Home visits/End of Life Doula Care

For more information, please contact Colleen Tierney at colleen@lucyslovebus.org.