Someone to walk beside you
When something hard happens, you shouldn't have to figure out the order yourself. Pick the journey that matches where you are - we'll hand you one step at a time.
A new diagnosis
You just got a diagnosis (or a strong suspicion of one).
You don't have to do all of this today. Breathe. Pick one. Come back tomorrow. The order below is what most families wish they'd done first - but there is no wrong way to walk this.
10 steps · Over the next few weeks
Surgery or procedure
Surgery or a major procedure is scheduled.
Surgery weeks are a blur. The list below is the order most families wish someone had handed them. Check things off as you go - it's okay to leave some for the day before.
11 steps · From now through recovery
We're in the hospital
You're admitted - planned or unplanned.
Hospital time is its own kind of time. Pick whatever feels survivable right now. None of this is graded.
9 steps · While inpatient
We got denied
An insurance denial or prior auth rejection arrived.
Denials feel personal. They're usually a paperwork process, not a verdict. Most are reversed on appeal. Here's the order that works.
8 steps · Over the next 1-2 weeks
Back-to-school
A new school year, new teacher, or new school is coming.
Teachers and school nurses can be incredible allies - they just need one clear page from you.
6 steps · Two weeks before school starts