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

Abstract

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.