Vim & Vigor - Winter 2016 - Community Healthcare - 27


WHAT ABOUT ME?
A child with cancer has unique needs that can demand a lot from
families. Healthy siblings may feel sidelined as energy and attention
focus on the one who has the disease.
Genevieve Stonebridge, a clinical counselor at InspireHealth,
a nonprofit supportive cancer care center in Victoria, British
Columbia, says siblings of children with cancer have seven needs:

 

Acknowledgment and attention. Siblings need to know
they matter, even when a brother or a sister is battling cancer.
Stonebridge says, "Ask a sibling how they are doing, not just,
'How's your sister?'"

1

 

Family communication. It's important to talk to siblings-in an
age-appropriate way-about the cancer diagnosis, treatment and
side effects. Parents may think they are protecting children by staying
silent, but without information children often imagine the worst.

2

 

Inclusion in the family. It's hard for siblings to watch someone
they love suffer, and they want to help. They can play games or
watch videos with their sibling. Skype chats, text messages and letters
can keep them connected if treatment requires travel.

3

 

To know that it's normal to have difficult emotions and
uncomfortable thoughts. Siblings may feel anger, confusion,
frustration, jealousy, hatred or guilt. Parents can help by giving the
sibling a safe space to work through emotions.

4

 

Their own support. Siblings need help from family members,
teachers and coaches, and professionals like social workers and
counselors. It can also be good for siblings to talk to siblings of other
children with cancer.

5

 

To be a kid. Children need to play and keep up their
extracurricular activities. They can be responsible for their chores
and homework, but they shouldn't feel the burden of caring for their
parents emotionally.

6

 

Humor, laughter and lightheartedness. "It's a hard time, but
we can laugh, play and have a good time," Stonebridge says. "It's
important to have balance. Just because you're dealing with a crisis
doesn't mean there can't be wholehearted living."

TREES ILLUSTRATION BY JAMIE FARRANT/GETTY IMAGES

7

CANCER
RESOURCE
CENTRE
OFFERS
SUPPORT
After a cancer diagnosis, well-meaning
friends and family will want to help, but
they may not know what you need. Newly
diagnosed patients can experience a wide
range of emotions, from anger and denial
to fear and anxiety.
The Cancer Resource Centre, a support program of the Community Cancer
Research Foundation, Inc., was created
to educate, inform, support and uplift
those fighting cancer and their families.
All of the services are free of charge. The
Centre offers patients and their families
a nonmedical place to come celebrate
life, deal with hardships and find answers
to questions. Services include support
groups, educational programs and networking, all provided in a therapeutic
environment that promotes healing of
the mind, body and spirit.

GO TO...

Need a
Place to Start?
The Cancer Resource Centre
is located at 926 Ridge Road in
Munster. Call 219-836-3349 or visit
www.cancerresourcecentre.com
for more information about services.

W INT E R 2016

27
http://www.cancerresourcecentre.com
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2016 - Community Healthcare
