| "Please don't tell us 'This is God's will'. You might firmly believe that, but I could never believe God would allow one of his precious children to suffer in such a horrific way. That goes against everything He stands for as a 'Loving Father'." "Friends kept saying 'God never gives us more than we can handle', but we couldn't handle this. Our little boy was dying, and people wanted us to believe that God knew we could deal with that? At the time, we simply couldn't cope with the burden of Joshua's cancer. We were made to feel like if we had a stronger faith, everything would be OK, and it wouldn't matter that Josh was going to die." "The one message that I heard often from friends and family that helped me greatly was that God was only giving us these challenges because He knew that we could handle it and that it would only make us stronger. That turned out to be very true. You end up with a whole new perspective on life and what is REALLY important when you go through something like this. Suddenly it is very, very easy to figure out what your PRIORITIES in life are…" |
Many people who have a religious faith find that it is strengthened during a time of crisis such as childhood cancer. However, just as many find their beliefs challenged by the trauma they and their children are enduring, and though they may not lose faith, it is likely to be tested greatly . Still others find their way to faith through the experience of their child's illness. Religious faith - of whatever kind, is deeply personal. Remember that the family of a child with cancer is very emotionally stretched, and may not be receptive to comments about the "will of God". At the same time, they may greatly encouraged by the knowledge that their "God is in control". This is very much a judgement call on your part. Be sensitive to the family's beliefs - or lack of, and their emotional state, and choose your words very carefully. |
| "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path - and leave a trail." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~ |
| Communicaticating with the family of a child with cancer. |
| ORPHANS OF THE CANCER STORM |
| Disclaimer This information page has been prepared by an individual who does not have medical training. Contributions have been shared by the parents of children diagnosed with retinoblastoma or optic glioma. Orphans of the Cancer Storm cannot make any assurances relating to the validity of medical information contained within this page. The OCS website is intended for information purposes only and should not be used as a guide to diagnosis or treatment. If this information raises any concerns about your child’s condition or care protocol, discuss them with his or her paediatrician, oncologist, or other appropriate medical professional who has knowledge of the case. |
