UPLIFT (Using Play, Love, Inspiration, and Friendship as Therapy) is a free monthly program by The Lonon Foundation for ages 0-18 and runs from August-May.
UPLIFT monthly activities focus on play and mindfulness, and help children build friendships with those who share similar experiences. UPLIFT’s activities and materials empower families by giving them the tools to cope with the stress, fear, confusion, and anxieties related to a parent’s or caregiver’s cancer diagnosis.
UPLIFT provides ongoing, personalized support for children impacted by a parent’s or caregiver’s cancer diagnosis. Each family is paired with a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) who helps children understand what’s happening, process emotions, and build coping skills—while also guiding parents on how to support their children.
What support looks like:
One-on-one sessions with a CCLS
Peer connection through group and family experiences
Play-based and creative activities that support emotional expression and coping
Practical tools for families to navigate cancer-related conversations
All programming is led by a CCLS and grounded in trauma-informed, evidence-based practices in child development, play, and coping. Support is tailored to each child’s age, stage, and family situation.
Family-centered care
We support the whole family, including the child. Parents receive guidance on how to talk about cancer, respond to behaviors, and strengthen communication during a difficult time.
Joy and connection matter
UPLIFT also creates opportunities for fun, connection, and memory-making. Through in-person experiences, families can step outside the stress of illness, connect with others who understand, and spend meaningful time together—because every family deserves moments of normalcy and joy.
Safe, trusted support
All services are delivered by trained Certified Child Life Specialists. Student volunteers are carefully screened and trained in trauma-informed care, including Darkness to Light child safety training, and work under CCLS supervision.
Want to learn more about what a Child Life Specialist does? Read more.
“The initial conversation I had [with a Child Life Specialist] was like a breath of fresh air. Knowing I have someone to help my children cope with what I’m going through makes this process a little easier to manage.”
“The Lonon Foundation is such an important resource for families! They are focused on the children, which in turn helps the whole family! Kids can sense things and having a cancer conversation can be so difficult.”
“This organization was amazing for my children when I was originally diagnosed with breastcancer… We were all so frightened and my children found friends immediately to connect with during your monthly get togethers.”
