Circle of Care Hosts Thanksgiving Event for Children with Cancer

On Nov. 15, Wilton-based Circle of Care held its 8th annual Thanksgathering, a heartfelt celebration for local children with cancer and their families. Over the years, this event has become a cherished tradition for families supported by Circle of Care — many of whom remain in treatment for 2–3 years and return annually for connection, comfort and community.

Wilton-based Circle of Care provides direct financial, emotional and practical support to Connecticut families whose children are facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis.

A childhood cancer diagnosis often brings overwhelming medical expenses and families frequently struggle to keep up with essential day-to-day costs like groceries. The holidays can intensify those challenges, especially for families already stretched thin. Around 70% of families who have a child with cancer face a financial crisis during treatment. Circle of Care steps in to provide the financial, emotional, and practical support that helps families remain stable throughout the long and unpredictable cancer journey.

This year’s Thanksgathering was held at two locations across Connecticut. In Wilton, 25 families attended and received gift bags filled with groceries and gift cards to help ensure a full Thanksgiving meal at home. More than half of Circle of Care families required food assistance this year, and over 10% of all financial aid distributed went directly toward helping families pay for meals.

Beyond the practical support, Thanksgathering offered families a rare chance to gather outside the hospital — many for the first time. The day provided laughter, connection, and creative activities, including arts and crafts and a holiday card contest.

“This event will hold a very special place in my heart… witnessing how much love, care, and support a group of individuals is willing to pour into families that are in so much need,” one parent shared. “We would love for [our daughter] to be a bigger part of this great community and to meet and connect with other kiddos that are going through similar experiences.”