Cancer affects children as well as
adults. Possibly you think that only women get breast cancer.
Unfortunately men get breast cancer also. Cancer affects everyone.
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| chemotherapy care packages |
Photo Credit: Morguefile by VIRGINIAMOL
Did you know that childhood cancer
statistics show there are 380,000 survivors of childhood and
adolescent cancer alive in the United States? Those figures are
according to the National Cancer Institute. They further add that
survival rates overall are improving. There are a numerous things
that you can do to support children during their cancer treatments.
God's Word
What does God say about it? Jeremiah
29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and
a future.” This makes me mindful of a comment a young boy made in
the TV Series “Red Bond Society.” This young boy stated,” Some
people think life ends in the hospital, but no it is just beginning.”
He also added sometimes you are not able to “walk in someone elses shoes, but just sit beside them and listen.” Several of the
children in this movie are battling some form of cancer or other
illness, but they bond together and affect many lives in a good way.
I am also reminded of the scripture Proverbs 18:21, “Death and
life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat
it's fruit.” So this lets me know people will have their opinions
about your children including doctor's diagnosis and more, but
through it all always speak God's word about your children, because
Hebrew 4:12 states, “For the word of God is living and powerful,
and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division
of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of
the thoughts and intents of the heart.” I agree. God's word is
“alive.”
Music
I recall writing an article and
mentioning how music is good for children in the hospital. Music is great for children with cancer. Possibly the cancer patient
has a favorite song that he or she loves to listen too. The video below shows how children,
family and the staff at this hospital used music to help the children
who have cancer.
Stronger/Seattle Children's Hospital
Education
It is important to educate yourself
about cancer in order to help the child with cancer. This is
a win/win situation, because the education will help you as well.
You may learn of new technology or just new ways to help.
Sports Wristbands
Chemo-Caps and quilts
Although the Cancer Institute gives
away free caps for chemo patients and has several quilts available
for patients during chemo treatment, I recall seeing a meeting at the
library on certain days of the week for a group to get together and
put their knitting and crocheting skills to work by making chemo
caps. That is a very worthy cause.
Busy Bag
Let's not forget the parent's and
siblings of the children with cancer. Parent's will be spending a
lot of time in the hospital with their children. According to Clare
at Clarescontemplation.com, such things as pretzels, crackers, book of
word games, Chap Stick, coloring books, crayons, or lotion in a care
package would be quite helpful to the family.
According to Dana-Faberge, until you or
someone you know is battling the illness, you have no idea about the
magnitude of the illness. They further add that even though cancer
may deplete the human spirit, music can uplift and transform to bring
the mind, soul, and body into harmony.
Remember there are numerous ways that you can help with cancer awareness throughout the year.
Remember there are numerous ways that you can help with cancer awareness throughout the year.
Source:
Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV
Proverbs 18:21 NKJV
Hebrews 4:12
Cancer in Children and Adolescents
Hospital Busy Bags
Music Therapy Helps My son Through
Cancer Treatment
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4 comments:
So much information and encouragement here. Our nephew is a 20+ year survivor of childhood cancer. God is using doctors, nurses, medications, and miracles to work in lives everyday. Thank you for reminding us of the importance of just being there . . . loving and listening. Blessings!
Thanks again for another really informative post here. Thank you for sharing with us at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings
Your welcome Deb. Congratulations to your nephew a 20+ survivor.
Your most welcome Terri. It is a pleasure.
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