Programs
We offer numerous support options to the families of The Sassy Carmen Foundation™ as well as children newly diagnosed with cancer.
Creating Cherished Moments – Sassy Carmen’s “Creating Memories” Program
Introduction: At Sassy Carmen, we recognize the challenges of caring for critically ill children during treatment. We actively infuse moments of joy, providing relief and lasting memories for families.
What We Offer: Through our “Creating Memories” Program, we bring pure joy to our Sassy Kids and their families. Amid treatment’s demands, we prioritize laughter, love, and enriching experiences.
“Just-Because” Parties: We host regular parties for these remarkable children, inviting laughter and celebration amidst challenges. It’s a chance for Sassy Kids to forget treatment for a while and revel in simple pleasures.
Imagination and Play: At Sassy Carmen, we harness the power of imagination through dress-up and playdates. Children and families explore creativity, donning costumes and embodying their favorite characters.
Capturing Memories: We preserve these moments with photo shoots, letting families immortalize their dress-up adventures or create timeless family portraits. These photographs capture the love and togetherness of these special times.
Why It Matters: Amidst critical illness, creating cherished memories strengthens children and families. Joyful moments offer a respite from treatment challenges, reminding everyone that life holds beauty and love even in tough times.
Join us: Sassy Carmen invites you to join us in creating these cherished moments. Together, we can ensure that every “Just-Because” party, every dress-up adventure, and every captured smile becomes a treasured memory that lights up the lives of our Sassy Kids and their families.
Through the “Creating Memories” Program, we’re dedicated to bringing happiness and hope into the lives of those who need it most, one beautiful memory at a time.
Easing the Journey – Sassy Carmen’s Transportation Assistance Program
Introduction: At Sassy Carmen, we recognize the financial burdens that come with traveling to and from cancer treatment appointments. Transportation expenses, including gas and tolls, can strain budgets. Our Transportation Assistance Program eases this burden for families actively undergoing treatment.
What We Offer: Joining our program means becoming part of a caring community committed to ensuring affordable access to essential medical care. We assess your specific needs, considering factors like distance, appointment frequency, and toll road usage. Our aim is straightforward: provide financial relief for transportation costs.
How It Works: We calculate your transportation expenses, accounting for gas and toll prices. Based on this assessment, we offer prepaid gas and toll cards, alleviating your transportation cost concerns during this challenging time. We also consider alternative options like Uber for convenient, affordable access to medical care when necessary.
Why It Matters: Timely medical care is crucial during cancer treatment. Our Transportation Assistance Program removes financial barriers, allowing you to focus on your child’s well-being and treatment, knowing that your community supports you every step of the way.
Join us in easing the journey for your family. Together, we can ensure that you have the means to access the vital medical care your child needs during their cancer treatment.
The Buddy System – Your Trusted Companion During Challenging Times
Introducing the Buddy System at Sassy Carmen: We understand the challenges families face when dealing with childhood cancer. That’s why we’ve launched this program to connect families with dedicated local volunteers for assistance, sibling support, and companionship.
How It Works:
Families will be matched with a dependable volunteer who offers steadfast support during the child’s treatment, creating a lasting bond.
The Three Pillars:
- Assistance: Our buddies help with errands, chores, and emotional support.
- Meal Support: We assist with meal planning, grocery shopping, and meal deliveries.
- Skincare: Our trained buddies offer guidance and help with skincare needs.
Why It Matters: The Buddy System builds a sense of community. This empowers families to focus on their child’s well-being.
Join Us: Sassy Carmen invites you to join the Buddy System and be a trusted friend for families facing childhood cancer. Together, we ensure that no family goes through this journey alone.
Nourishing Families, Easing Journeys – Sassy Kids Nutrition Program
Introduction: At Sassy Carmen, we understand that when a family faces a cancer diagnosis, one of the most daunting challenges is maintaining proper nutrition during treatment. Balancing the demands of hospital visits, medical appointments, and caregiving leaves little time for meal planning and preparation. Often, families resort to fast food or less nutritious options, which can exacerbate the already complex health journey. That’s where our Sassy Kids Nutrition Program steps in.
What We Offer: When your family joins our program, you become a part of a caring community dedicated to ensuring your child receives the nutrition they need. We collaborate closely with your assigned certified dietitian from the hospital to create a tailored meal plan that aligns with your child’s nutritional requirements, meal preparation, and calorie needs. Our goal is simple: to alleviate your stress and keep your child and family on track with proper nutrition, ensuring they have the energy and support needed to face the challenges ahead.
How It Works: Our program offers a comprehensive approach to nutritional support. We provide education on healthy eating habits and collaborate with local farms, restaurants, and meal kit services like Hello Fresh and Home Chef to bring fresh, high-quality ingredients to your doorstep. You, as a family, play an active role in selecting meals that suit your child’s preferences and dietary needs. We then handle the logistics, delivering these meals to your home on a weekly basis.
Why It Matters: Proper nutrition is crucial during a cancer journey. It helps manage treatment side effects, supports the immune system, and provides vital energy. By participating in our Sassy Kids Nutrition Program, you’re not only ensuring your child’s nutritional well-being but also reducing the daily burdens faced by your family. It’s our way of saying, ‘We’re here for you, every step of the way.’
We understand that every family’s has unique needs. Sassy Carmen adapts to your unique needs, offering meal planning guidance, ingredient deliveries, or both, to simplify and enhance your journey to better health.
Join us in nourishing your child and family. Together, we can make a significant difference in your cancer journey, one nutritious meal at a time.
Comfort and Care in Every Home – Sassy Carmen’s Home Bag Program
Introduction: At Sassy Carmen, we understand that childhood cancer brings unique challenges, not just for the young patients but for their families as well. This Home Bag Program is a heartfelt initiative to provide comfort and support to these brave children and their families during their cancer journey.
What We Provide: Through our Home Bag Program, we offer a compassionate service aimed at making a difference in your child’s life. We supply a specialized Home Bag designed to address your child’s unique needs, especially when it comes to skincare during and after treatment. Our aim is to alleviate the daily stress you face and ensure your child’s comfort and well-being.
What’s Inside: Inside every Sassy Carmen Home Bag, you’ll discover carefully selected natural products designed to soothe and nurture your child’s sensitive skin during cancer treatments. Each Home Bag includes:
- Aloe Vera Juice Spray: This gentle elixir soothes and hydrates sensitive skin, providing sweet relief from the harsh impacts of cancer treatments.
- Aloe Vera Butter: A rich, comforting moisturizer that tenderly nourishes and shields delicate skin.
- Aloe Vera Natural Bar of Soap: A cleansing and hydrating solution that lavishes the skin with the care it deserves.
- Skin Care Pocket Guide for Kids: An invaluable educational resource designed to empower you with the knowledge needed to navigate and manage the unique skincare challenges that arise during cancer treatments.
How It Works: Our program offers a comprehensive approach to skincare support. We not only provide the Home Bag but also offer educational resources to help you understand and manage your child’s skincare needs. We’ve partnered with Castle Baths®, a dedicated ally who is generously contributing their labor and operating on a zero-profit basis. This ensures that we can provide each Home Bag at an affordable cost, so donors’ contributions can go directly to making a difference in your child’s life.
Why It Matters: Children with cancer face not only physical but also emotional hurdles, including skin-related challenges from treatments. Our Home Bags offer a comforting solution, providing much-needed relief and support. We want to reassure you that you’re not alone in this journey. Your community is here to stand by your side, offering care and compassion every step of the way.
Join us in bringing comfort and care to your child’s life. Together, we can make a significant difference in their cancer journey, one Home Bag at a time.
