If you're a teen thinking about joining a Pathways group, you can find information on what to expect here.

Dougy Center’s mission is to provide peer support to children and teens who have a parent or sibling living with an advanced serious illness or are grieving a death. A child or teen must be participating for the adults in the family to attend groups. The Pathways Coordinator can help direct you to other resources if your child(ren) choose not to participate. Adult groups at Dougy Center are optional, however most adults find the group supportive and helpful. Adults who choose not to participate must remain onsite for liability, medical, and safety reasons.

Yes. Often adults find it difficult to find the words to start these challenging conversations with their children. Talking with the other adults in the peer support group and the Pathways Group Coordinators can bring some ease to these tough conversations. Contact a Pathways Coordinator at 503-775-5683 or pathways@dougy.org for more information.

Many of our families access support for months or even years. While it can be hard to know when to join, most families tell us they wish they had joined sooner. If you or your family member has been diagnosed with an advanced serious illness — including late-stage cancer, ALS, or advanced neurological disease, among others — and have a prognosis of three or more months, Pathways offers support for you and your family. Having support earlier on the path can help you and your children feel less alone — even as your family member might continue to seek treatments, medical care, and maintain hope.