Encouraging School Involvement to Combat Isolation

Isolation is one of the biggest challenges that come with cancer treatment, and it can have serious physical and emotional effects on a child. Social opportunities become limited and even dangerous when a child is undergoing treatment. Children are often placed “in a bubble” to reduce exposure, but this proactive method comes with its own potential risks.

As a new school year begins each year, families impacted by childhood cancer must make decisions about school involvement. This pivotal moment comes with a lot of physical and emotional factors to consider. When possible, staying involved in school can help children stay connected, supported, and emotionally strong as they move through treatment and times of isolation.

As beneficial as it is to encourage school involvement, parents must assess if it’s the right time for their child to transition back into school activities and how to do so safely:

  • Talk to your child and see where they stand on school involvement.
  • Talk to your child’s doctors and hospital care team to ensure they are physically ready to return to school and certain school activities.
  • Adjust your child’s school involvement based on what they can and cannot do.

Meet Airyel!

meet airyel Seventeen-year-old NCCS young warrior, Airyel, has been battling colon cancer since 2023. Recently cleared to return for her senior year, she and her mom, Samantha, faced tough conversations with her care team and school. “It was a blessing and a curse,” Samantha shared. “The excitement of returning came with the challenge of trusting the school with her medical and educational needs.”

School involvement looks different for everyone. What matters most is finding a way for your child to connect:

  • Sports: Participate as a player, manager, or fan.
  • Clubs: Join groups focused on interests or hobbies.
  • Electives: Explore topics they love.
  • Events and Activities: Stay involved in school traditions.
  • Virtual Engagement: Participate safely through video calls or online classrooms.

meet airyel Since returning, Airyel has embraced senior year, joining the dance team and preparing for her winter festival performance, attending football games, and reconnecting with friends.  And “When I was doing online school, the biggest challenge was being at home 24/7,” she shared. “Now that I am back at school, the best part is simply being with people again.”

She is most looking forward to walking at graduation and beginning her journey in a nursing program after high school. Her advice for other children with cancer: “The outcomes will always be worth it, and you have been through something so much worse and scarier. Be brave. Do it.”

Samantha noticed how much happier Airyel has been since getting involved with her school again. “Seeing her excitement has made the hard decisions worth it,” she shared. It’s not an easy decision, but when the time is right, school involvement can curb the emotional toll that treatment may have on a child.

The NCCS is committed to helping families make informed educational choices. Our website features detailed articles, such as Your Child’s Educational Needs During Cancer, along with a state-by-state resource list for special education services.