Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s Pediatric Cancer Support Center, just steps from Cottage Hospital, will be the first of its kind in Santa Barbara.
Our comprehensive support services for families with a child battling cancer will be elevated to the highest level with a new physical space that brings to life our families dreams of a respite near the hospital.
PEDIATRIC CANCER SUPPORT CENTER
Our Families Spoke, We Listened
Currently, 40% of TBCF families (appx. 80-100 families) are treated at Cottage Children’s Medical Center in Santa Barbara. Despite cutting-edge care and facilities, an overwhelming amount of research states that the majority of families experiencing pediatric cancer treatment are faced with hospital trauma, with the hospital environment adding to their immense amount of stress and sense of overwhelming despair. Furthermore, siblings are often brought to appointments due to childcare limitations, where they struggle to occupy themselves in a small hospital room.
When Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) received seed funding to purchase a new building, the families we interviewed could only envision a space with easy access to Cottage Hospital. They made a case for the need of a space of respite to release the weight of stress and trauma while in the hospital for their child’s treatment. This new building, thoughtfully envisioned as the Pediatric Cancer Support Center would provide facilities for TBCF to operate our three core programs, while also providing much-needed private and gathering spaces for families. We anticipate over 500 family visits annually once open.
The Pediatric Cancer Support Center will provide greater efficiency for operations, and long term financial sustainability, while answering a direct need of the families we serve.
The reception area is the first space where families and all visitors will interact when connecting with TBCF. Families will be warmly greeted in a welcoming space and offered a warm beverage before engaging with a staff member and utilizing one of our spaces.
A calming, tranquil space for families to retreat. When their child is receiving treatment, parents can enjoy this private space, equipped with comfortable seating, meditation/stretch space, a library, and a television. Workspaces and toys for siblings to do homework or play will be available in this space.
A multi-functional space primarily intended to host family support groups and connection events. Additionally, this space will serve as a meeting space for the Board, staff and committees, as well as a workspace for volunteers to facilitate projects supporting programs.
A space for TBCF to lease to partners in the pediatric cancer world, providing greater continuity of care and ease to access services for families. This space is a separate but adjoined 700 square foot office space that TBCF will make available to partners at a discounted rate for nonprofits to lease.
A private room to host the emotional and private conversations that frequently arise in a pediatric cancer journey. The TBCF staff will remain available to hold space for these conversations which provide emotional support, as well as partner therapists, ultimately reminding families they are not alone.
A calm, private space available for individuals or families who need a quiet place for reflection, conversation, or emotional support during their pediatric cancer journey.
This space is more than a traditional break room; it’s a place for nourishment and support. Families and staff will have access to readily available healthy food from our no cost pantry. We envision a welcoming gathering place where all can visit to nourish both body and soul.
A beautiful hallway connecting all of our integral spaces in an inspiring setting filled with pictures of current and alumni families thriving amidst their pediatric cancer diagnosis. It’s more than a hallway; it’s a reminder to all families that they are not alone, and that there is hope.
This space hosts staff, interns, and volunteers, all who help to bring our programs to life. A communal workspace that will foster collaboration and creativity, this space will be the hub responsible for facilitating programs ensuring families receive the support that will guide them through this difficult time.
From our Teddy Bear costumes to outdoor games for family events, this storage room houses all of the equipment and supplies required to host multiple programmatic and fundraising events annually.
Located in the Welcome Space, the library will offer books and materials for all ages, designed to educate, comfort, and support individuals and families at every stage of their journey.
As a necessary function of every hospitable setting, we will offer a beautiful and tranquil private rathroom, available to staff and families. This restroom will be accessible and all gender.
Why a Pediatric Cancer Support Center?
Having a place to respite and retreat to while you’re in the most emotionally intense and stressful time with your child, knowing you can be back at their side in the hospital in just minutes, will bring much-needed comfort and resources to the pediatric oncology community.
- Andrew Miller, TBCF Papa Bear & Board Chair
Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation is often a lifeline for families battling pediatric cancer. Their new center, just steps from Cottage Children’s Medical Center, offers families a place to recharge while staying close to the care their children need. As Mr. Rogers said, “Look for the helpers.” For these families, the helpers are now conveniently close by. We're so grateful for their compassion and support!
- Dr. Shivani Upadhyay, Cottage Pediatric Oncologist
Capital Campaign Committee
Sarai Anderson
Donna Barranco Fisher
Sheela Hunt
Nikki Katz
Gene McKnight
Adriana Mezic
Nathan Rogers
Rick Scott
Brittany Avila Wazny, Executive Director
Julia George, Sr. Development Director
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