About Us

Supporting Central New England Families Facing Childhood Cancer

Why Me is a Worcester-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families cope with the emotional, social, and financial challenges of childhood cancer. We are a local, independent organization — not affiliated with any national group — created by and for families in our own community.

Our Story

How One Girl’s Wish Became A Lifeline For Families

In 1985, 13-year-old Sherry Shepherd was in the midst of a four-year battle with cancer when she decided she wanted to make a lasting difference for others walking the same path. With the help of her father, she founded Why Me — Worcester Help for Youth, Memories Everlasting — to ensure that no child or family would face this journey alone.

Over 40 years later, Sherry’s vision lives on. What began as one girl’s dream has grown into a comprehensive support network for families throughout Central New England, guided by compassion, understanding, and lived experience.

How One Girl’s Wish Became a Lifeline for Families

At Why Me, our Peer Support programs bring together families who understand the realities of childhood cancer. Whether you’re navigating treatment or life after remission, we create spaces for parents and survivors to share experiences, gain confidence, and support one another through every phase of the journey.

Have A Question About Our Peer Support Services?

Send us a quick note and we’ll connect you with the right person.

Parent to Parent Support Group

Parent to Parent is a peer group that offers support and information for those who have a child with cancer–whether on treatment or who have completed treatment. Our monthly meetings inform families about different aspects of childhood cancer and enable parents to gain confidence by sharing their experiences with each other. More importantly, this group offers a safe environment for parents to openly discuss various medical and social issues related to childhood cancer.

Have A Question About Our Parent-to-Parent Services?

Send us a quick note and we’ll connect you with the right person.

Let’s Talk Survivorship

A quarterly meeting with parents of pediatric oncology survivors. We discuss different aspects of survivorship. Parents and survivors often feel overwhelmed as they adjust to life post-treatment. This peer group gives parents the opportunity to openly discuss challenges they may have faced after their child’s treatment ended. This group is an opportunity to share, learn, support and empower one another with personal post treatment experiences. Meeting vary with guest speakers, topic driven conversation, and open forums.