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
About 40% of Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation families (80–100 families) receive treatment at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara. While the hospital offers excellent care, research shows that the hospital environment often adds to the trauma and stress families face. Siblings, brought along due to childcare needs, often struggle in cramped rooms.
Families have long emphasized the need for a supportive space near Cottage Hospital—a place to ease the emotional burden of treatment. The Pediatric Cancer Support Center will house our core programs and offer private and communal areas for families, with over 500 visits expected annually.
This Pediatric Cancer Support Center will improve operational efficiency, support long-term sustainability, and directly address a critical need for the families we serve.
PROPOSED SPACES
The first space families and visitors will enter upon arrival, complete with a beverage and comfortable seating.
A calming, tranquil space for private use that is equipped with comfortable seating, television, workspace, and toys.
A multi-functional space primarily intended to host support groups and connection events. Additionally, this space will serve as a meeting space as well as a workspace for special projects.
A private room for individual or couples therapy as well as a space for emotional and private conversations that may arise in a pediatric cancer journey.
This space is more than just a traditional break room; it’s a place for nourishment and support. Healthy food and drinks will be readily available for families and staff.
A communal workspace that will foster team collaboration and creativity among the TBCF staff.
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.
TBCF is reliant on a passionate force of volunteers, including youth interns. We are committed to mentoring a new generation of philanthropists, volunteers, and entrepreneurs.
As a necessary function of every hospitable setting, we aim to renovate and offer two beautiful, tranquil private bathrooms available to staff and TBCF families.
Housing all of our office needs, from the copier to the shredder, this space is the hub and a necessary function of getting the work done.
From our Teddy Bear costumes to outdoor games for family events, this storage room houses all of the equipment and supplies required to host programmatic and fundraising events.
A space for TBCF to lease to non-profit partners, providing greater continuity of care and ease to access services for families.
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, 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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