| "when kids asked why Sarah didn't have any hair, I simply said, 'She took a lot of medicine that made her hair fall out.' After hearing the answer, the kids would generally not ask more questions." "Kerry was 9yrs old when her eye was removed because of he optic glioma. When she came back to school, her class teacher arranged a day for the children during which they learnt about what it is like to have only one partially seeing eye. They did activities like guiding a blindfolded person, and wrote about what they would miss if they couldn't see. It got them to think about how precious sight is, and the challenges of living with low vision." |
| "The class president arranged a 'Make Emily Smile' day soon after she began chemo for the second time. The children bought pieces of construction paper for 20cents each, and made a huge banner (over 500 sections) with little poems, doodles, jokes and words of encouragement on each segment. It was very bright and colourful, and lit up her face when some of the kids came to our house with it. The money they raised paid for some CDs and new clothes which Emily picked out herself." "Our daughter's 5th grade class began a scrapbooking project. Each week, they put together a new page detailing their activities. They take photographs, draw pictures, write poems, and make lovely decorations with different themes according to the events of the week. When Jess is in school, the children write about why they are glad she is with them, and when she is too ill or neutropenic to attend, they tell her why they missed her that week. They bring the new page around each Saturday, to add into our book. It is a beautiful, dedicated testament to the friendship and concern of those youngsters, and Katie looks forward to seeing the new page every week." "When he is not there, our son's Sunday School teacher invites the children to write a little prayer for him in a card. That helps him to know that h has been missed and thought about. The card usually has a picture depicting the bible passage the children have been studying, and that helps him to feel he is a part of the group still." |
Tell the child what is going on in the world beyond cancer. This will help her feel she is still included with things. If she usually participates in sports, keep her up-to-date with team performance and scores. If the school publishes a newspaper, send a copy to her house or hospital so that she can read it. Even if you think she is too ill to go out, don't stop inviting her to activities. Children need to know they are being thought about and included. |
| "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path - and leave a trail." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~ |
| How young friends and their families can help the family of a child with cancer. |
| ORPHANS OF THE CANCER STORM |
| Staying in touch with friends is a vital to a child's wellbeing during cancer treatment. Children develop communication and social skills through interaction with others, and maintaining the channels of communication as this time is particularly important. |
| 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. |
| "When Sarah was diagnosed with the pinealblastoma, at age four, she had just started pre-school. We felt it was important to schedule visits with her friends when it was possible. Keeping in contact with friends helped Sarah maintain a sense of security, since being hospitalised frequently for a year caused a major disruption in her life." |
| Below is a selection of ways in which teachers, classmates, Sunday School pals and other young friends have shown their support of a child with cancer. |
| Like adults, children want to feel they are doing something to help their friend who has cancer. However, they may not have the vocabulary to articulate those feelings, or the understanding to know what can help. Talk to the children about how they feel, and how they could show their support. Ask the parents if visits are appropriate. Send letters, cards, and pictures. Make group telephone calls, or record a fun audio/video tape full of messages. Design a bright, encouraging poster or banner to decorate the hospital room, or send small gifts such as Mylar® balloons. |
| "We have many parents contact us to say their child wants to know how we all are, and especially wanting news of our son. It's a real comfort to know that his presence in school is missed, and that his friends care about him that much." "Corie told her playgroup leader about Abby's cancer. The leader explained that Corie's sister was 'very, very sick', and many of the children made cards which they sent to us at the hospital." "The children in our elder son's school year each donated 10 pence per month to a fund. It was such a beautiful gesture, and this small amount covered the rental charge on a second 'phone line which we used throughout the 14months of Eleanor's chemo treatment. Listening to messages of support at the end of a long and testing day was more of a boost than our friends will ever know. The children were so supportive, and showed a genuine concern for our family. We love them more for that." |
