The American Cancer Society has a variety of programs intended to help those diagnosed with cancer, as well as friends and family better cope with the disease. One of those programs is the Special Friends program, which provides friendship and fun to pediatric cancer patients as well as their siblings. Katie Champion, Senior Manager of Community Engagement with the American Cancer Society’s local office spoke with Regional Radio News and shared some details of the program.

Champions shared that another goal of the program is to show the kids involved in the program that doctors are people too, and are nothing to be afraid of.

The students and patients participate in a series of parties that are held throughout the year where the kids and students get to have fun and bond. For more information on the program, you can contact the American Cancer Society’s Springfield Office at 523-4503, or email Champion herself at katie.champion@cancer.org.