By Ella Alberts
OMAHA, Neb. — Families facing childhood cancer in Nebraska are navigating not only complex medical treatments, but also gaps in emotional and long-term support once they leave the hospital.
According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, cancer is the second leading cause of death among children and young adults ages 1 to 19, behind unintentional injuries. While national data shows childhood cancer rates vary by region, advocates and families in Nebraska say the burden extends beyond diagnosis and treatment, especially when it comes to support at home.
For many parents and caregivers, the challenges intensify after discharge, when medical supervision decreases and families are left to manage care on their own with limited emotional support.
“There should be more programs to support the family once they come home,” said Maria Bolanos, a parent of a child with cancer. “Nurses come to our house, but they just give medicines and they’re gone maybe 20 minutes later. Then you’re here with a sick child, and you don’t feel prepared for that.”
Advocates say mental health and emotional resources are often less accessible than clinical care, contributing to feelings of isolation for families already under stress.
Some organizations are working to fill those gaps by offering community-based support. Help 1 Person Today, a nonprofit focused on outreach and mentorship, provides events and virtual programming aimed at connecting families experiencing hardship.
“When we meet with children, there’s research that shows when someone feels supported, it can positively affect their outlook,” said Zach Arter, founder of Help 1 Person Today. “We try to create a sense of hope and connection for families who may be struggling.”
Programs like these emphasize peer support and relationship-building as a complement to medical care, particularly for families adjusting to life outside the hospital.
Advocates say broader access to emotional and mental health resources could help address ongoing gaps in care and improve quality of life for families facing childhood cancer.
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