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Educating your community of family and friends
Educating your community of family and friends

Educating your community of family and friends

Sharing a child’s cancer journey with one’s community can raise awareness, build  understanding, and gather emotional or practical support. However, it is equally important to do  so in a way that protects the child’s privacy and the family’s emotional wellbeing. 

Practical ways parents [caregivers] can cope. 

  • Brene Brown says in her book “Dare to Lead” that clear communication is kind. You will be  kind to your child if you explain the disease and the treatment in an age-appropriate style  and not by sharing unexpected expectations. Be open, truthful and give the correct  information. Take the guidance from professionals such as the doctor, social worker, play  therapist, counsellor or psychologist. 
  • You don’t protect the siblings by hiding information from them. Give them clear and  correct information, without overwhelming or frightening them. Make them part of the  process. 
  • This is also a new experience for the extended family, friends and community and they  may not know how to help you. Tell them what your needs are and involve them without  losing your family’s privacy. If you are comfortable, you can name the type of cancer,  describe briefly what is happening, the expected timeline and how you appreciate support.  Avoid giving detailed medical reports, negative details and photos that reveal privileged  information and or could frighten people – especially other children. You don’t have to  share anything with which you are not comfortable. 
  • Use small groups or in-person conversations to educate communities and help others  understand that your child still wants to be treated like any other children. Sharing updates  on social media could be used to share highlights, milestones, gratitude and for raising  awareness messages. Keep the tone hopeful, factual, and respectful of your child’s dignity  and use photos only with your child’s permission. 

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Communication with the child diagnosed with cancer. 

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Communication with the siblings when a child is diagnosed with cancer.

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Communication with the family and community when a child is diagnosed with cancer. 

  • National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Support for Families: Childhood Cancer.  https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/caregiver-support/parents?utm_source • CureSearch for Children’s Cancer. (n.d.). Community Help: When a Family Has a Child  with Cancer. https://curesearch.org/Community-Help/?utm_source
     

Sharing a child’s cancer journey with one’s community can raise awareness, build  understanding, and gather emotional or practical support. However, it is equally important to do  so in a way that protects the child’s privacy and the family’s emotional wellbeing. 

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