Center provides support services for families facing childhood cancer

Published: January 21, 2026

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Norton Children’s, alongside state leaders, patients, families and the community, dedicated Norton Children’s Cancer Institute Resource Center, a new space designed to support children with cancer and their families through every phase of the cancer journey.

Located on the eighth floor of Novak Center for Children’s Health, the resource center brings together a wide range of support services in one place, making it easier for families to access assistance during and after a child receives treatment. By combining medical care with emotional, educational and financial support programs, the center aims to offer holistic care without barriers.

“Childhood cancer changes everything for a family,” said Russell F. Cox, president and CEO, Norton Healthcare and Norton Children’s.“This center will meet families where they are, offering the resources and guidance they need, all in one place.”

Created for the whole family

Norton Children’s Cancer Institute Resource Center takes a team approach to healing. Services available through the center include:

• Financial navigators who can walk families through insurance options and help find financial assistance programs
• A nurse navigator to coordinate care across specialists and serve as a key point of contact throughout the cancer journey
• Educational liaisons, including licensed kindergarten to 12th grade educators, to help kids stay on track with school during treatment — whether they’re in the hospital or learning virtually — as well as provide support when patients reintegrate into school
• Psychosocial specialists to provide mental health support for patients and family members
• Expressive arts therapists, including child life specialists and art, music and massage therapists, to help patients express themselves and cope through creative outlets

“This center was created to support the whole family during the cancer journey,” said Michael J. Ferguson, M.D., pediatric hematologist/oncologist and chief, Norton Children’s Cancer Institute. “By bringing essential services together in one place, we’re ensuring families have access to the support they need when they need it most.”

The commitment reflects Norton Children’s larger vision for the future — where every child has access to top-notch care for generations to come.

“Between projects like this resource center and our plans to build a second dedicated pediatric campus in Jeffersontown, we are building a future ‘Just for Kids,’” Cox said. “We’re creating spaces where medicine, compassion and community come together to save lives.”

The center was made possible through a $1.6 million investment led by the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation and funded by community donors. This included a $700,000 capital commitment with support from Hearts Path Charitable Foundation Inc., the Mary Butler Longest Foundation, and the Norman and Belita Noltemeyer family.

An additional $976,000 grant from the Kentucky Pediatric Cancer Research Trust Fund will mainly provide operational support, helping to add staff such as a social worker, educator, music therapist and financial counselor. 

“Norton Children’s Cancer Institute Resource Center is a powerful example of what’s possible when this community comes together,” said Lynnie Meyer, R.N., Ed.D., FAHP, CFRE, senior vice president and chief development officer, Norton Healthcare and Norton Children’s. “Because of this generosity, families now have a place designed to care for them in every possible way. Together, we ensure that no child or family walks this path alone.”

Norton Children’s Cancer Institute treats more than 7,000 patients each year, caring for children with all forms of cancer and blood disorders. Founded more than 60 years ago, Norton Children’s cancer program is among the nation’s longest continuously accredited pediatric oncology programs by the American College of Surgeons.

Find ways to support Norton Children’s and the children of our community at HelpNortonChildrens.com.