Parental Financial Support Needs After the Death of a Child From Cancer

Pediatric cancer treatment and child death impose significant financial strain on families-yet we do not know which financial supports are needed. We sought to assess this through a survey conducted 4-5 years following a child's death. Parents rated the usefulness of six financial supports and identified additional required supports. Financial needs included paid time off work (54%), funeral/burial costs (46%), rent/mortgage assistance (37%), support for medical bills (30%), and food (28%). Additional financial needs included travel expenses, paid housing, and grief therapy. Parents emphasized the burden of financial strain alongside their intense grief.