The National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS) has a new whitepaper titled “The National Children’s Cancer Society Lends Advice for Healthy Siblings of Children with Cancer.” The publication provides vital information to ensure healthy sibling’s emotional and psychological well-being remains strong as they watch their brother or sister go through the hardship of childhood cancer.
When a child has a life-threatening illness, family norms are shaken. However, as demonstrated throughout the whitepaper, there is evidence of proven ways to combat the negative to keep children, and the family, strong together.
The NCCS offers tips on how to talk to children at any age level, activities that will de-stress kids and strengthen their coping skills. It also provides helpful resources available at hospitals, camps and other nonprofit agencies for healthy siblings. Relevant findings from research studies on the topic are also discussed in the paper.
In addition to this wealth of information, a firsthand account of three children dealing with their sister’s diagnosis and treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia complements and builds upon the advice given.
“Some of us were attending chemo visits in the hospital two hours away while some of us were trying to maintain a normal life in our hometown. Events were missed, vacations foregone and birthdays moved. This experience changed our lives in almost every way possible, but it never broke us, never destroyed our bond,” shared Nat, whose daughter, Hazel, is battling leukemia.
Find how his family stayed together during Hazel’s treatment, in addition to proven recommendations from pediatric therapy teams and medical professionals in the NCCS’ useful article.