Supporting Kids Battling Cancer: Small Warriors, Big Fights

^{Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash}

Cancer is a harrowing disease affecting millions of people, including children. It is a threat that plagues the lives of many. It is saddening that the young ones are also significantly impacted by such a disease. At an exceptionally youthful age, their quality of life and their ability to live normally is critically affected. Thus, supporting kids battling cancer is the least we can do.

Supporting kids battling cancer implies giving them a meaningful life and guiding them throughout their journeys. As such, every child is deserving of a meaningful and fulfilling life regardless of their diagnosis.

Children who are diagnosed with cancer are our small warriors, partaking in such big fights. Our goal is to be present by their sides, helping, guiding, and supporting them no matter what. This warfare against cancer is not merely for kids to battle alone. They need their loved ones – most especially, they require support from their parents. A strong and loving support system will serve as a source of strength they can employ in their battles.

Luisita is Sick, but She is Strong: Life with Cancer

An inspirational and enlightening book authored by Dora Przybylek entitled Luisita is Sick/ Luisita está enferma is one that upholds the act of supporting kids battling cancer. It is the story of a very young girl named Luisita. She is one of the victims plagued by cancer. It depicts the realities of battling with the disease, particularly Luisita’s journey. Along with this dire and unfortunate circumstance, she gained much learning and realization from her doctors, nurses, and friends.

Luisita is Sick/ Luisita está enferma is a book that unravels the grimmer side of life, yet a girl with cancer remains optimistic and resilient to the given challenges. Luisita may be sick, but she is strong.

This is certainly a remarkable and hopeful book everyone deserves to read. You may obtain your own copy on Amazon and even buy Luisita series complete collection for more empowering stories to immerse in with your little one.

Supporting Kids Battling Cancer: What Can We Do?

^{Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash}

Help Kids Understand Their Condition

An initial approach to helping children with cancer and supporting them in their journey is to help them understand the disease itself. At the end of the day, they deserve to know the foe they are battling with. Supporting kids battling cancer also involves imparting to them the truth.

Just like how Luisita’s mother explained cancer to her, parents should share the name of their cancer with their kids and how the treatment will go. As supporters of the child, we have to also explain to them some facts about the disease and its effects on their health and lifestyle. Of course, it’s best to also reassure them that it’s not their fault. Be honest with them and allow them to ask questions, remaining authentic and honest.

Provide Structure In Their Progress and Journey

Structure is paramount in supporting and guiding your child in her battle with cancer. Providing structure can help increase your child’s sense of control. Given this, make things as consistent as possible for them, primarily when it comes to routines and activities. Keep your child preoccupied and engaged in activities in order to avert her attention from the unpleasant experiences that come with cancer, especially the treatment. Apart from that, it is also important to plan a regular routine for hospital or clinic visits.

Encourage Them to Express Their Feelings

Kids are allowed to feel negative and unpleasant feelings about their cancer diagnosis. After all, it’s never easy to battle with a very lethal disease.

Let them express whatever they feel, both negative and positive. Provide them with a safe space for them to vent out. Absorbing them with expressive art, music, and play programs is also very beneficial to their overall well-being, bearing positive effects on their cancer treatment and journey.

In addition to these ways, encourage them to read or talk to other kids with cancer. Let them socialize and instill in them the idea that they are not alone in this battle. While at it, ensure that you acknowledge and praise your child for how they’re doing, especially when dealing with difficult things.

Ask For Professional Assistance

If you are having a difficult time yourself, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance, guidance, and support from professionals or even loved ones. You may talk to anyone on the care team, doctors, nurses, or a hospital social worker. Consider reaching out and asking the necessary questions to guide you with your journey supporting your child as they battle cancer.

Finally, if you are interested in another insightful read, you may read a related article about life after childhood cancer. Supporting kids battling cancer involves educating ourselves further by reading more about cancer and how it impacts kids diagnosed with the disease. Let us be aware of this crucial matter and spread love, kindness, and help, especially to those struggling with the more intricate side of life.