LANTERN Program

Caring for a child with complex medical needs can be overwhelming and often isolating. Having a compassionate, consistent support person during these challenging times can make all the difference. When that support comes from another parent who has experienced similar struggles and understands, it can ease stress, reduce loneliness, and offer a sense of connection that’s both comforting and empowering. This is where LANTERN can help you!

Participants will be supported by a dedicated team that will:

Listen to them through regular, compassionate communication
Advocate for them and identify the best resources available
Navigate complex systems alongside of them
Tailor connections to the services that are available
Educate them about opportunities and events
Refer them to reliable resources
Network with organizations to build a strong community of support

Participant Sign In

What is LANTERN? Listen – Advocate – Navigate – Tailor – Educate – Refer– Network LANTERN is a pilot initiative within the Resource Matching Program designed specifically for parents and caregivers of children with both complex medical conditions (CMC) and intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD)in Pennsylvania. This initiative will provide direct support by matching them with a trained volunteer who will work to identify specific resources to meet their unique needs through compassionate and ongoing communication. Our LANTERN volunteers are parents who have cared for children in similar situations and are able to provide the much needed peer perspective and support.

What is included in LANTERN?

The program will continue to develop throughout the pilot, but will include the following features:

Consistent 1:1 support from a trained RMP volunteer, available via phone or virtually. Volunteers will be directly supervised by PPCC staff who have extensive experience with this population.
Personalized resource matching based on shared concerns or unmet needs. The LANTERN team will suggest known resources or research additional options on the behalf of the family.
Access to Firefly (powered by Thanacare), a secure tool for storing important information about the child’s medical information, care, wishes, preferences and more. Our team can also upload helpful resources and communicate with families directly to their private portal.
A dedicated RMP participant webpage featuring curated resources, an interactive resource map, updates on upcoming opportunities and other helpful tools
Opportunities for virtual networking sessions to connect with other caregivers, share experiences and learn about additional supports

Our goal is to make the family’s journey less isolating and overwhelming by connecting them with helpful resources. While we may not have every answer, PPCC is committed to work on the family’s behalf to find what is available.

Interested in joining LANTERN? Complete our interest form today!

Participant Interest Form

384 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 | Contact Betsy Hawley at: betsy@ppcc-pa.org

PPCC is not a health care provider and does not give medical advice or treatment. PPCC does not endorse or recommend any listed facilities, service providers, or support groups herein. PPCC offers the list and information as a resource only. PPCC does not pre-evaluate, or consider the Medicare/Medicaid status of the providers.

The Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition is a registered 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible according to the IRS’s rules and regulations. The official registration and financial information for PPCC may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999.