| "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path - and leave a trail." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~ |
| The Dolphin Friendship Pages |
| ORPHANS OF THE CANCER STORM |
| A diagnosis of childhood cancer invariably results in significant shifts in the relationship between the child's family and their extended family and friends. The diagnosis is like an earthquake, hitting the child's immediate family at it's epicentre, then sending shock waves through the wider community of extended family, work colleagues, schoolmates, friends and acquaintances. Families may experience a wide range of responses to their news, from dedicated support and concern to conflict and desertion. From grandparents and cousins to aunts and uncles, extended family members can help alleviate the trauma of a cancer diagnosis and treatment through loving words and actions. Relatives may put their own lives on hold in order to fully support the child and her immediate family, their presence and help often remaining constantly throughout the child's treatment. Friends can also provide vital support to the child's family throughout this often overwhelming time. Well placed words of comfort and encouragement, practical help and a quiet supportive presence can lessen the challenges being faced on a daily basis. Sadly, however, this is not always the case. Some relations and friends may not be able to help, perhaps because events and commitments in their own lives are too great, because they cannot cope with the illness, or they simply do not know or understand what is helpful. So How Can You Help? On the pages linked below, you will find some ideas of how you can help as an extended family member, friend or work mate. There are suggestions of practical things you can do, as well as a guide to helpful things to say, and words that should definitely be avoided. There is also a special page dedicated to grandparents. The experiences, thoughts and suggestions on these pages have been shared by families who have faced retinoblastoma, pineoblastoma or optic glioma. |
| This section is designed especially for the friends and extended members of a family who have a child diagnosed with cancer. |
| Communicating with the family Finding the right words Words and actions that do not help A word about faith |
| Different ways in which you can Help Emotional Practical Financial Help from Younger Friends |
| Copyright © 2004, Orphans of the Cancer Storm. All Rights Reserved. |
| Retinoblastoma |