CVMC Launches Support Program for Children of Parents, Grandparents With Cancer March 20, 2008 Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) is launching a support program entitled “CLIMB Catawba Valley,” according to Barbara Stark, Oncology Social Worker, at the medical center. A program of The Children’s Treehouse Foundation, “CLIMB” stands for Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery and was created to provide support to children whose parent or grandparent has cancer. “Many parents dealing with cancer acknowledge they don’t know how to talk to their children about their cancer,” said Ms. Stark. “This breakdown in communication not only heightens the stress and fears of the children, but also isolates them from being active members of the family. CLIMB Catawba Valley is committed to helping fill this need.” CLIMB Catawba Valley will hold its first meeting on Saturday, April 5 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the NorthWest AHEC building adjacent to CVMC. Children ages 6 to 11 years of age whose parent or grandparent has cancer are invited to attend as well as parents and grandparents. During the session, children will tour CVMC’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, learn about cancer and discuss their feelings with other kids in similar situations. A short program will be offered from 1 to 2 p.m. for parents and grandparents. This program is free but pre-registration is required. To pre-register or to learn more, call Ms. Stark at CVMC at 828-326-3397. Catawba Valley Medical Center is a not-for-profit, public healthcare system in Hickory, NC providing and promoting the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of the public in addition to serving as a center for health education, wellness services, preventative medicine and acute care. CVMC, recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet facility, was recently named a Hospital of Choice by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers.