ASK FOR HELP Not only ask, but also accept the help offered. (That's the tough one.) It's difficult for many people to ask for assistance, but most people who give help do so gladly and willingly. Don't be afraid to let your needs be known.

FIND SUPPORT Family and friends may be your best sources for support, but there is a variety of support and self-help groups available in your community. Use them not only for support, but also as sources of information and ideas.

SEEK COUNSELING If you have difficulty overcoming the emotional hurdles and conflicts, obtain some professional help. This does not mean you're "not right," it does mean you recognize this as a significant aspect to your recovery.

REMEMBER. . . the Serenity Prayer:

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

You don't have a choice about cancer. . . you have a choice in how you deal with it.

American Cancer Society
Austin/Local Office (512) 928-1144
Cancer Information 1-800-ACS-2345

Any Baby Can - Austin (512) 54-3743
3724 Jefferson St., Suite 307
Austin, Texas

Serves children with special needs, ages birth to 12 years, who are chronically ill, medically fragile, disabled, or at risk for these conditions. There is no charge for ABC services and no income criteria.

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation
(512) 478-4618
2026 Guadalupe
Austin, Texas 78705

International network of groups of parents of children with cancer, which provides support and education for families of children with cancer. Provides a link with available community resources as well as professional counseling, monthly family support, educational meetings, a regular newsletter, children's support group and a parent-to -parent visitation program. Assistance is also available through the Hospitality Committee and Family Assistance Fund.

Capital Area Easter Seals
(512)478-2581

Children's Hospice International Hotline
1-800-242-4453

Chronically Ill & Disabled Children's Services (CIDC)
(512) 458-7355 / 800-252-8023
Services of physicians, surgeons, hospitals, drugs, etc. for crippling conditions involving muscle,
bone or joint, congenital heart disease, cystic fibrosis, and cancer.

Compassionate Friends (512) 320-7615
A non-denominational help group (for bereaved parents and siblings) offering information and support to all parents and family members suffering grief due to the death of a child of any age. The purpose of the group is to aid in the positive resolution of grief through listening, sharing, and understanding. Contact the local chapter for information on meetings and the national newsletter. There are no dues or fees.

Ronald McDonald House
(512)472-9844
403 East 15th, Austin, Texas 78701

Provides a temporary home away from home for families of children under age 18 who are undergoing treatment for cancer, leukemia, and other serious childhood illnesses as well as accident victims. Laundry, kitchen, gameroom and playroom, and twice weekly-prepared food is also provided. There is a $5 charge per room per night. Contact your nurse or hospital social worker to apply.

Social Security Administration
1-800-772-1213

SSI (Supplemental Security Income), SSDI (Social Security/Disability Income)
611 East 6th Street, Grant Building
Austin, Texas Austin
Office: 916-5404

Provides monthly benefits for a family with a child who has a chronic illness. Eligibility depends upon number of people in the family, gross income and resources. See "Financial Assistance" for further information.

Texas Department of Health 458-7355 / 1-800-252-8023
Chronically Ill and Disabled Children
1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756-3179
Provides financial assistance for the medical care of eligible persons under 21 years old, with certain chronic illnesses, including cancer. Medical care is provided through program -approved hospitals and doctors throughout the state. Reimbursement is direct to the provider.

Texas Department of Human Services
834-0162

Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), Medicaid, Food Stamps
1165 Airport Blvd.: 929-7330
2201 Post Road: 444-0511
1601 Rutherford Lane: 339-4421

Texas Department of Human Services
1616 Headway Circle 837-2150
10205 North Lamar 908-9622
724 Eberhart 445-0022

Provides subsistence income to one-parent families with dependent children, in cases of serious incapacity and inability to meet children's needs.