FAQs

Parents who have faced advanced pediatric cancer have all told us the same thing. They have questions about what happens at these phase of the cancer journey, and the feel confused or alone. While there are lots of resources out there, it’s almost impossible to connect with someone who has gone through late stage childhood cancer.

Zach’s Bridge was started by Jenn and Jon Wall to honor their son Zach who died of Osteosarcoma in November 2021 at the age of 16.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Many of the questions we get frequently are answered below. But if you have a question that isn’t answered here, please contact us.

What is Zach’s Bridge 1:1 Peer Support?

We match parents and caregivers that are either in the prereavement (advanced) or bereavement phase with trained, experienced peer mentors who provide connection, compassion, comfort, support and resources.

How does Zach’s Bridge help support seekers?

Zach’s Bridge connects parents and caregivers facing advanced pediatric cancer or bereavement with trained peer mentors who have lived through similar experiences. These connections provide understanding and support, ideally making the hardest journey in life just a bit easier. Peers offer consistent support and help navigate unique challenges, whether during late-stage illness (including discussions of palliative care, hospice, etc.) or after loss (addressing grief, relationships, parenting, and more).

How can a parent get matched with a Zach’s Bridge peer?

A parent, caregiver, or member of the care team can share some information with us, and we will follow up to create a match quickly – in hours or days, not weeks or months. You will be matched with a peer mentor based on your unique situation and needs.

How often can a support seeker connect with their peer mentor?

There is no time limit on the support you can receive. Zach’s Bridge offers flexible, short- or long-term mentorship, whether you need ongoing support or just assistance during certain stages of your child’s cancer journey. The number of connections and how those connections happen (video chat, phone, text, etc) varies based on each individual scenario.

Is there a fee to receive support from Zach’s Bridge?

No. Our 1:1 peer support is provided free of charge. Zach’s Bridge is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support to parents and caregivers of pediatric cancer patients at no cost.

Who are the mentors in the program and how are they matched?

Our peer mentors are parents or guardians who have cared for a child with cancer. They are carefully selected and trained by Zach’s Bridge to provide support, share experiences and offer practical guidance. Peer support, unlike medical treatment, cuts across all disease types, but when possible we try to match support seekers with someone who is nearby, as well as may have other similar characteristics, including but not limited to disease type, child’s age and more.

How do peer mentors provide support?

Support is usually delivered virtually, via video chat or meeting, phone call, email or text. When possible, we try to match support seekers with someone who is nearby, and if both the support seeker and peer mentor choose to meet face to face, they are welcome to do so.

How is Zach’s Bridge different from other support options such as online groups on Facebook, or groups that meet at scheduled times?

Zach’s Bridge offers personalized, one-to-one support from a trained peer who understands your specific situation and has lived through many similar experiences. Unlike scheduled groups or online forums, Zach’s Bridge provides a consistent connection with someone who knows you and your child’s story. While many support seekers use multiple support options, Zach’s Bridge offers a unique level of individualized compassion, connection and care.

Does Zach’s Bridge provide psychosocial support or medical advice?

No. We provide support from someone just like you who has gone through a similar journey. If you need professional psychosocial support we may be able to help you find it. And for medical questions, while your peer may be able to identify with a similar experience, we will always recommend you get advice from a qualified medical professional.

Does Zach’s Bridge offer support for Spanish speaking peers or caregivers?

Si. Hablamos Español. We currently offer Spanish translation for live meetings between Zach’s Bridge staff/peer mentors and Spanish speaking support seekers. Frequently support is provided via text messages, and we use online translation tools to facilitate those conversations. In the future Zach’s Bridge will also have trained peer mentors who are native Spanish speakers.

Are Zach’s Bridge services available in languages besides English and Spanish?

Today, Zach’s Bridge is only available in English and Spanish. However we are looking to add additional language support in the future.

For Parents and Caregivers

Many of the questions we get frequently are answered below. But if you have a question that isn’t answered here, please contact us.

Is Zach’s Bridge a support group?

We provide one-to-one support rather than in a group setting.

I have a friend/family member that I think needs your services. Will you contact them?

Every cancer experience is different and everyone copes in their own way. We require that the person to receive support contact us or give approval to a loved one or medical professional to be matched. You may also provide them with our information so they may contact us when the time is right for them.

What if I am getting peer support from other sources, can I work with a Zach’s Bridge Peer Mentor as well?

Yes, you are welcome to connect with a Zach’s Bridge peer. If you have had the experience of being a peer mentor at a different program and want to pay it forward now as a mentor yourself, please reach out.

What kind of support can I expect from my mentor?

Mentors provide emotional support, practical advice based on their own experience and that of other Zach’s Bridge peer mentors. They can also help with coping strategies and share resources for families dealing with advanced pediatric cancer and bereavement.

How is Zach’s Bridge different from other peer support programs?

Many peer support programs are offered exclusively through individual pediatric cancer hospitals and may only be available to patients treated at those facilities, or limited just to people of a specific disease type. Zach’s Bridge is open to all parents and caregivers, regardless of where their child is receiving treatment, and is accessible nationwide.

What phases of pediatric cancer can Zach’s Bridge help with?

Zach’s Bridge offers support not only during advanced stages of treatment but also after, helping parents navigate bereavement and ongoing emotional challenges related to their child’s cancer experience.

For Providers and Referrers

Many of the questions we get frequently are answered below. But if you have a question that isn’t answered here, please contact us.

How do I refer a parent or caregiver to get Zach’s Bridge support?

The easiest way to refer a parent or caregiver to us for peer support is via our intake form. We are focused on ensuring that support seekers are helped as quickly as possible, and if it is faster for you, please feel free to send us an email.

What if I’m not sure if Zach’s Bridge is a good fit for a parent or caregivers I’m working with?

Please reach out and we’ll chat with you to determine the best path forward.

How do I refer a caregiver to become a peer?

If you know someone who might make a good peer, please have them apply. If you prefer, please connect us with them directly. If you would like to discuss their background, or need more information, please contact us.