Support Groups

At CHKD, we offer parents, patients and family members access to a variety of support resources. Below you will find a list of available support groups.

XIBS (Extremely Important Brothers and Sisters)

XIBS is a program for siblings of CHKD oncology patients. The program is designed to minimize the harm of cancer on siblings and to provide education and support. The program is open to siblings 5-14 years old.

Coastal Food Allergy Support (CoFAS)

Coastal Food Allergy Support (CoFAS), formerly the Food Allergy Support Group of Tidewater (FASGOT), connects Hampton Roads families living with food allergies by offering educational meetings, playgroups, and other supportive events. CoFAS was founded by parents seeking to better understand and manage food allergies, along with Angela Hogan, MD, a CHKD Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology physician who serves as the group’s Medical Advisor. Families with children of all ages, as well as medical providers, school nurses, teachers, dietitians, and anyone interested in sharing or receiving information about living an active life with food allergies, are welcome to join.

Visit CoFASVa.org for more information.

Bereaved Parent Support Group - Virtual

Open to parents who have experienced the death of a child. This group is designed to offer and provide a safe and supportive environment for parents to share and process their grief. Trained pediatric chaplains and social workers serve as facilitators. The group meets virtually for weekly meetings that are in 6 week intervals throughout the year. Please email GriefSupport@chkd.org or contact Anne Kesner at Anne.Kesner@chkd.org or call (757) 668-9661 for more information and for dates and times.

Healing Hearts Family Support Group on Facebook

For parents and siblings of past and present Cardiac/Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) patients, the Healing Hearts Family Support Group is an active private Facebook group which has an online support group for local families impacted by congenital heart defects. This is a great way for families to connect, gain support, ask questions, and share their journey. The group is being administered by Amber Vann and Crystal McCullough. Please contact them via Facebook, “Healing Hearts Family Support Group (MLHCoVa).”