Aug 28, 2009 3:19 pm US/Central
Children Cancer Research Fund
When childhood cancer strikes, it not only affects a child, but it affects the entire family. Parents, siblings, and the diagnosed child all face significant changes in their day to day life. We've compiled a few resources that may help you deal with the diagnosis of a family member or loved one.
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Children Cancer Research Fund
Children Cancer Research Fund
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University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital
University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital
How can I help a family dealing with cancer?
Many families are not used to needing help nor accepting it from others.
Since one out of every 300 children in the United States will experience a diagnosis of cancer, you probably have a family in your neighborhood or community who has a child in treatment. Here are some suggestions to lend a "helping hand."
First of all, keep in mind that many families are not used to needing help nor accepting it from others. The best way to offer assistance is to name a specific task or service that you would like to do for them and to remember that if the family refuses at first, you may want to offer again a week or two later. It's also important to remember that the road to recovery can take years and that many families will need long-term assistance.
Click here to find out how you can help.
Don't know what to say?
Sometimes the best advice is simply to listen.
Please don't say: "I don't know how you handle it, I just couldn't do it!" Think about what the family is facing and realize that they simply have no choice but to do everything they can to protect their child. In fact, many families may not be "handling it" at all as they wander through the haze of hospital rooms, surgeries and drug therapies for their children. Although they may have a smile on their faces as they talk to you, it doesn't mean that they don't cry in the nights, worried to death about their child. Sometimes the best advice is not to "say" anything, but to simply listen.
Click here for more tips.
Books to help kids deal with cancer.
Books can offer understanding for children with cancer.
Cancer is a difficult concept for many children to grasp. Fortunately, there are a number of children's books written specifically for pediatric cancer patients – and their siblings – to help them understand and cope with the illness. These books can be great conversation starters for families dealing with pediatric cancer, and help children to talk about their thoughts and concerns.
For a list of books in your library or local bookstore, click here.
(WCCO-TV)
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