WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital (in-hospital program)
Morgantown, WV (First Friendship: July 2020)
Morgantown, WV (First Friendship: July 2020)
Grand Rapids, MI (First Friendship: May 2020)
Pittsburgh, PA (First Friendship: October 2013)
Chicago, IL (First Friendship: February 2021)
Cleveland, OH (First Friendship: April 2020)
Lexington, KY (First Friendship: June 2021)
Richmond, VA (First Friendship: August 2021)
Detroit, MI (First Friendship: September 2021)
Los Angeles, CA (First Friendship: October 2021)
Kansas City, MO (First Friendship: June 2021)
Buffalo, NY (First Friendship: June 2020)
Pittsburgh, PA (First Friendship: October 2013)
Philadelphia, PA (First Friendship: March 2021)
“Connecting Champions means that I do not have to remind my patient’s families that their child is still a child. From the moment I meet a family and deliver the devastating news that their child has cancer, I hope that I can impart to them that their child is not their illness. Connecting Champions reinforces that idea and allows a parent to see their child again.”
“I know first hand how well thought out and executed this program is. I know every detail has been thought of to ensure my patients receive great attention and care. The team astounds me with the great lengths they will go to find the perfect match for my patients.”
“The unique nature of this group is the fact that the patients can get paired up with something that really makes them tick, really strikes a chord with them and gets them revved up for an interaction because of the personal and impactful connection that can be made.”
“Connecting Champions is focusing on something that very few resources are focusing on: life after treatment.”
Not at all. A referral is just an opportunity for the patient (and parent/guardian if they’re under 18) to learn more about the program and, if they’re interested in participating, sharing more about what they’re passionate about!
Within the next work day, we will reach out to the patient or parent (if the patient is under 18) to set up a video call. We begin by sharing more about the program and answer any questions they have. If they’re interested in participating, we dive into what they’re passionate and immediately begin the search for a local mentor! The mentor search typically takes four weeks. We will make sure to share updates with you as the friendship grows!
All mentors undergo a rigorous eligibility process including an application, interview, reference check, and state required background checks.
A Connecting Champions employee is on every single video meeting between the child/young adult and their mentor, so the child/young adult will never be alone. For minors, we also ask that a parent/guardian is on the call or at least in the room.
Although the mentor experience is specifically for the child or young adult fighting cancer, oftentimes siblings are included on the virtual calls, with the activity kits, and are always welcome to participate in our different club meetings (STEM club, art club, cooking club, etc.).
It does not matter what stage the patient is in during the cancer journey. Whether they were just diagnosed or are 10 years out of treatment, we are here and ready to find a mentor! We serve ages 3-26.
We have an extensive network of volunteers who are ready to help. We also have an employee dedicated toward finding mentors in all parts of the country so we can find someone who doesn’t just match the child/young adult’s interests, but also their personality.
Or contact Friendship@ConnectingChampions.org / 412.301.5304
Or contact Friendship@ConnectingChampions.org / 412.376.3755