Resource List

My Special Aflac Duck is a FREE animatronic duck which responds to light, touch and sound. The duck includes a medical play kit, emoji faces which, when touched to the duck, will cause the duck to express the emotion, a sound machine feature and more! The duck connects with an app which allows for additional supportive play. Please note My Special Aflac Duck is only for children with an oncology (cancer) or blood-disorder diagnosis. Families will have an initial free virtual session with a certified child life specialist to confirm eligibility and access to additional free virtual child life sessions.

MIC-KEY cares is a FREE resource and support program for children with a feeding tube.  As part of the program, you will receive a Welcome Kit, which includes:

• Ava: The goldendoodle mascot with a G-tube,  which is a comforting companion and teaching resource.

• Ava Magnet: A cute and convenient reminder of how to access support.

• Feeding Tube ID Card: An essential tool to help ensure you receive the right care in any situation.

The program also provides monthly emails which include:

• Tips, Tricks, and Treats

• Tubie Stories from tubies and caregivers

• Life-stage and life-event articles

• Upcoming Events, New Products, and Resources

The Fighting H.A.R.D (Having A Rare Disease) Foundation was created by two sisters for the rare and chronic disease community in New Jersey. "At Fighting H.A.R.D., we are building a support system for kids and families who battle rare diseases and chronic illnesses. We know the struggle first-hand, and we want to create a positive, safe, and supportive environment for the rare disease community. Raising awareness in the community is absolutely crucial to our mission, and the fundraisers and events we host are all geared toward that goal of letting these kids know they are not alone! This truly is our passion here at Fighting H.A.R.D., and we couldn't do it without our community. Thank YOU for Fighting H.A.R.D. with us."

The American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) offers FREE medical play kits and other resources for children and teens experiencing cancer. Children receive Cozy The Port-A- Cat and a medical play kit. Additional resources are available including teen journals, sibling resources, and parent resources.

Monkey In My Chair is a program for children in active cancer treatment. Through the program, each child is provided with a “monkey kit” which includes a big stuffed monkey that takes their place in school when they are unable to be there. The kits include:

• Large Stuffed Monkey which takes their place at school when they are unable to be there

• Backpack for carrying items to and from treatments

• Children’s Book to help teachers explain to students the situation their classmate is facing and how it affects them

• Teacher Companion Guide with resources for classroom

• Other items that can be utilized by the child or classmates

All kits are sent out at no cost to the families or hospitals.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation fulfills wishes for any child with a critical illness (not just cancer!) To qualify, children must be between the ages of 2.5 years-18 years old, have a critical illness that places the child's life in jeopardy, and cannot have received a wish from another wish granting organization.

The Family Resource Network has over 30 programs offering services to NJ families of children with disabilities. These programs include support services such as SibShop events for brothers and sisters of those with a disability, employment & transition services, public health programs, education and training and more!

"A Doll Like Me was born out of the idea that our unique differences make us beautiful. At the very heart of this organization is the idea that children need to see themselves in the toys that they play with.

Dolls are important in play and imagination and they help children make sense of their world. They can help children cope with stressful situations and , most importantly, they can help a child feel confident in who they are. Because of that, dolls should look like the children who love them." Each doll is hand made by one individual to represent a specific child.