Learning from the World’s Centenarians

National Gratitude Month 2022

Parents that have gone through the cancer journey know that maintaining their own physical and emotional health is crucial, and one way to maintain some balance is to have gratitude. However, feeling gratitude is a difficult ask when a family is faced with a cancer diagnosis. This National Gratitude Month we hope to discuss how giving gratitude can improve the quality of your life.

Dan Buettner, a National Geographic Fellow, identified “Blue Zones” throughout the world. These are areas with high concentrations of inhabitants living past the age of 100. The zones were found in a wide range of geographical and cultural areas, including Japan, Italy, Costa Rica, Greece, and the United States of America. He and his team also found that, although the locations had many differences, the Centenarians also shared nine specific lifestyle habits that he calls the Power 9.

Photo by RODNAE Productions

Let’s look at these habits of our planets’ centenarians and see if they can be helpful in your journey through these difficult days:

Find your Ikigai.

Ikigai is the Japanese concept of finding purpose in your life. Ikigai isn’t just your career or household chores. It’s the thing that gets you up every morning and keeps you going. For parents and close caretakers, this could be how you dedicate yourself to your child through their cancer journey. Finding gratitude in putting a smile on your child’s face daily and keeping that as your daily ikigai has the potential to keep you focused through the rough patches of everyday life amid cancer.

Cultivate a Moai.

Moai is an Okinawan tradition of forming and keeping a close network of people around you to provide support. People need people, and this concept has long been studied as one of the most important things for a long, happy life. Knowing you have a safety net to lend financial and emotional support when you need it the most can add to your peace of mind. Make a mental list of everything you are grateful for, this National Gratitude Month. Who are you grateful for?

Loved Ones First.

Sardinians uphold strong family values, and this way of living ensures that every family member receives supportive care, no matter what happens to them. The centenarians of Sardinia, and other Blue Zones, believe that people who live in strong, healthy families suffer lower rates of depression, suicide, and stress.

Laugh!

Be grateful for your friends that make you giggle! They might be helping you heal and stay healthy. The centenarian men of Sardinia are infamous for their sense of humor, and they make time each afternoon to gather in the street and just laugh. Did you know that some medically backed evidence shows that laughter reduces stress and risks associated with cardiovascular disease? So, get your jokes ready for Turkey Day!

Your Neighbors.

You might find that when your family is going through cancer, your neighbors are the first to lend a helping hand. If this is you, you are one of the lucky ones! When an extended family lives far, a close connection with your neighborhood and community can make all the difference. Nicoya centenarians advise you to allow visits from your neighbors as much as you can. They provide you with a listening ear just steps away. Thank you, neighbor!

Some Sun.

Nicoyans believe that getting regular doses of sunshine is essential for a long life. It helps your body produce vitamin D for healthy body functions and strong bones, and vitamin D deficiency is associated with issues such as osteoporosis and heart disease. These centenarians strongly believe that getting about 15 minutes of golden light on the legs and arms is enough. Now, get outside and be grateful for the sunshine!

Photo by Jimmy Teoh

Think like a Mountain Dweller.

If your home allows you the space, even a tiny bit, to grow or maintain plants, you are luckier than you think. Ikarians that survived the longest, well over 98 years, were poor and lived in highland mountain areas. This means they spent a lot of time gardening and walking, which turned out to be exercise they didn’t even realize they were getting. So, the best advice from these Greeks is to partake in a little “mindless” movement daily. You might not initially understand the direct impact, but your body will undoubtedly feel the benefits.

Mediterranean Thanksgiving?

It’s no secret that diet plays a prominent role in the longevity of life. It also plays a significant role when a child has a cancer diagnosis. Interestingly, the Ikarian diet aligns with foods that are also safe and sometimes recommended for pediatric cancer patients. Ikarian’s secret to a healing diet is to eat a variation of the Mediterranean diet, with lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, potatoes, and olive oil!

Time for God.

It might be difficult to show gratitude spiritually, especially when your child suddenly becomes sick. However, the folks in Loma Linda have found that being able to forgive and continue to rely on God for strength can significantly lift the mental burden and guilt you feel as a parent or caretaker. It can also give your child the mental strength to courageously pull through the pain and discomfort, knowing that they are not alone. These centenarians advise taking a 24-hour Sabbath that provides a time to focus on family, God, camaraderie, and nature. Adventists say this relieves stress, strengthens social networks, and offers regular exercise.

I hope these wise words from centenarians are helpful to all of you on a cancer journey. In the spirit of National Gratitude Month, you might take some time to connect with an older loved one. Find out what they are most thankful for, what keeps them content, and most of all, the secrets to a long and healthy life, even if cancer is an obstacle.

Need Holiday Support?

Here To Serve understands the holidays can be difficult for families with a sick loved one. Remember, we are here to support you not just during the National Gratitude Month, but all year round! If you are a family with a newly diagnosed cancer child or know of a family who finds themselves in this challenging situation, please contact Here to Serve. Please click on the Get Help button from our homepage. Wishing you a healthy and blessed Thanksgiving filled with laughter, delicious food, and quality time with loved ones!

To learn more about the Blue Zone concept click here.

By Sameera Rangwala, M.S., M.P.H

About the Author

Sameera Rangwala spent 15 years in the biotechnology industry. As a scientist and research professional, she uses her skills to blog and provides words of support to the cancer community.

All content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a medical provider in your particular area of need before making significant changes in your medical decisions or lifestyle.

A Calling and Passion

National Caregivers Month 2022

Unlike many adult-related diseases, childhood cancer is usually not something a family can predict. Cancer growing in a young person’s body doesn’t consider whether a future caregiver was at the height of their career, just decided where their forever home would be, or maybe finally got their dream vacation planned and ready to go. Even if you know with all your heart and soul that you would sacrifice anything to care for your precious child, it’s natural to feel like parts of your own personal life, career success, or lifestyle will never be the same again. In honor of the millions of courageous and selfless caregivers worldwide, let’s look at the unexpected role of the caregiver in a way you can make a personal and passionate connection with during this National Caregivers month 2022.

Currently, women make up more than 50% of caregivers worldwide. Mothers, daughters, grandmothers, aunts, and other close female family members instantaneously assume the unpaid role of caregivers without hesitation. That’s not to say that men (when present) are not caring for their loved ones; however, their parts are currently more structured to maintain the family’s outward needs when it comes to pediatric cancer care at home. Whether a woman caregiver is a pilot, surgeon, or maybe a stay-at-home parent with a set routine, balancing your role can be a physical and mental challenge. Completely changing your life narrative can show you how the long days caring for your child can be something priceless.

Your pre-diagnosis job/work was based on skills you cultivated over formal education and/or on-the-job experience. Now in the position of a caregiver of a critically-ill child with cancer, you have no learning curve. It’s “game on” right from diagnosis. Quickly stepping into the role of caregiver, you must learn and absorb new information on demand, which is daunting! A caregiver often provides medical, mental, and physical support without realizing it. You become an advocate for your child and their well-being and provide relentless and compassionate care and companionship. These are all crucial skills to bolster a child’s health and emotional well-being.

A caregiver’s job is multi-faceted, with new responsibilities for which some people spend years training. For example, in 24 hours, you could be feeding, bathing, and entertaining your child, all while coordinating treatment regimes and special diets with the doctor. If you weren’t already, you are unconsciously the ultimate multi-tasker ensuring all the elements of your child’s care are smooth and unhindered. Though no one ever wishes for cancer, now that it’s arrived, your role as caregiver has a life purpose that is commendable, honorable, and precisely the type of dedication your child needs. As caregivers, we might feel that we are giving up what we thought was the “purpose” of our lives. But, it’s essential to consider that purpose can change at different seasons of one’s life, with or without cancer. It is perfectly natural and expected.

So to all the caregivers, your role can assume a sacrifice for yourself, but one that brings many rewards. The fact that you stepped up to the plate and released one phase of your life to accept another with open arms makes you a true hero. Your child, your world, and the universe will continue to always need the skills you have applied and acquired along the way of your caregiver journey.

“You’ve done it before, and you can do it now.
See the positive possibilities. Redirect the substantial
energy of your frustration and turn it into
positive, effective, unstoppable determination.”
-Ralph Marston

Are you a caregiver that needs support?

Here To Serve is here to help you! During this National Caregivers month 2022, we recognize you. As a caregiver, it’s okay to acknowledge you need help managing your role at home. If you are a family with a newly diagnosed cancer child or know of a family who finds themselves in this challenging situation, please contact Here to Serve. Please click on the Get Help button from our homepage.

By Sameera Rangwala, M.S., M.P.H

About the Author

Sameera Rangwala spent 15 years in the biotechnology industry. As a scientist and research professional, she uses her skills to blog and provides words of support to the cancer community.

All content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a medical provider in your particular area of need before making significant changes in your medical decisions or lifestyle.

Emotional Wellness Month: How to Cope with Pediatric Cancer

Emotional Wellness Month 2023

The Power of Connection: Fighting Loneliness When Your Child Is in Treatment

Emotional Wellness Month is an annual observance held in October to raise awareness about the importance of emotional health and well-being. Emotional wellness is the ability to manage our emotions in a healthy way, cope with stress, and build strong relationships.

In a previous blog post, we explored the secrets to longevity and wellness in the Blue Zones, which are geographical regions where people live longer than average. One key factor emphasized in Dan Buettner‘s research on blue zones is the importance of social ties. As any expert or researcher will tell you, having a daily purpose and community of people around you who understand what you’re going through and can provide companionship and support is essential for getting through difficult times, such as a cancer diagnosis. Has your family’s cancer diagnosis left you feeling adrift and alone? Maybe you’ve withdrawn from your loved ones, or you’re struggling to find the energy to reach out to your community. If so, please know that you’re not alone. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it can be an incredibly isolating experience for the whole family. The focus is often on the child’s treatment, and parents may feel they don’t have time or energy for anything else. This isolation can affect your and your child’s mental and emotional health. Families must stay in contact with their social community, even when it feels like all you can handle is isolating yourself.

Loneliness and isolation have become a pervasive societal epidemic, prompting leading global health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), to dedicate significant resources to studying this critical public health issue. A family with a cancer diagnosis is understandably more vulnerable to isolation and unforeseen breaks from social ties. According to a 2023 advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General, loneliness can significantly impact both physical and mental health, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and depression. Recent studies within the last five years reveal alarming statistics about its prevalence and impact.

Photo by cottonbro studio

Loneliness is an epidemic in the US, with over 60% of adults feeling lonely.
Young adults between 18 and 22 are the loneliest age group, with studies showing that they are more likely to report feeling lonely than any other age group.
The number of people living alone has increased by over 30% in the last few decades, suggesting that more and more people are feeling isolated.
Social isolation is as harmful to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, highlighting the severe impact of loneliness on both physical and mental health.
Loneliness can increase the risk of premature death by up to 50%, making it a major public health concern.
One in five Americans say they have nobody to talk to about important matters, underscoring the need for more decisive social connections.
Social media use has been linked to increased feelings of loneliness and depression, suggesting that it is important to be mindful of how much time we spend on social media.
Children who experience neglect or abuse may grow up feeling disconnected from others, setting them up for a lifetime struggle with loneliness.

Photo by Tuấn Kiệt Jr.

It’s easy to say, “Just go make friends” or “Take a break and do something fun,” but convincing someone to follow those instructions can be tricky. Especially when it comes to a sick child. However, research evaluating the correlation between socializing purposefully and breaking the cycle of loneliness has been correlated to a significant improvement in overall well-being. Evidence suggests that pediatric cancer patients and caregivers who socialize with their community, be it family, close friends, or even a caring medical team, have improved wellness. This is likely due to many factors, including:

Reduced stress: Socialization can help reduce stress, a significant risk factor for cancer recurrence and other adverse health outcomes.
Improved mood: Socialization can help improve mood, positively impacting overall health and well-being.
Increased sense of belonging: Feel a sense of belonging and connection, which can be especially important during cancer treatment.
Enhanced coping skills: Develop coping skills to help them manage cancer treatment and survivorship challenges.
Increased quality of life: Improve pediatric cancer patients’ overall quality of life.

Socializing is essential for the well-being of all children and adults, but it’s especially important for pediatric cancer families. So, let’s open ourselves up to finding a supportive community, whether big or small. Taking the first step can make a world of difference, and it could even extend your and your child’s wellness throughout your cancer journey.

Tips to Cure Loneliness

Take it slow– If you’ve been feeling lonely for a while, it’s understandable that opening up to people can feel daunting and overwhelming. Meeting new people can also be nerve-wracking. But take a deep breath and remember you don’t need to rush into anything. Try making small talk with people you see daily, like the cashier at your local grocery store or your neighbor across the street.
Make new connections- Join an online cancer support community like org or Momcology.org to listen and share with others with similar experiences. They’re available 24/7, free, and accessible from anywhere. Alternatively, look for non-cancer-related groups who share your interests through online and in-person events on Meetup or Facebook Groups. Start your own if you are still looking for interesting groups or activities!
Stop Comparing- Many families with cancer find social media a helpful way to connect with others going through similar experiences. But it’s important to remember that social media can also be a source of loneliness and comparison. When you’re feeling lonely, it’s easy to focus on the positive things other people share about their lives. But it’s important to remember that everyone struggles, even if they don’t show it on social media. If social media makes you feel lonely, try taking a break. Or, use it to connect with people who support you and make you feel good.
Take care of YOU (and your child)– Physical activity is a great way to improve your mental well-being and self-esteem. Join a local exercise or online class like INOVA that offers excellent options for cancer families to stay fit. Spending time in nature can also enhance your well-being and reduce feelings of loneliness. Plant some vegetables in your garden or on your windowsill. Choosing just one activity that allows you to learn something new, move your body a little, and require you to focus on actions rather than your sense of isolation will make a significant impact on your family’s daily life.

A Bonus HAPPY Story

Want to learn how finding the right community, purpose, and environment “accidentally” helped Stamatis Moraitis, an Ikarian who relocated to America in the 1950s, live to be over 90 after he was diagnosed with cancer at 60 and given 9 months to live? Check out his story here!

Need Cancer Care Support?

At Here to Serve, we understand how overwhelming it can be for families when a child is diagnosed with cancer. Please remember that we are here to support you! If you are a family who has a child with a new cancer diagnosis or if you know of a family in this challenging situation, please don’t hesitate to contact Here to Serve. You can click on the ‘Get Help‘ button on our homepage to get started.

By Sameera Rangwala, M.S., M.P.H

About the Author

Sameera Rangwala spent over 15 years in the biotechnology industry and is currently a life science educator for children in grades 5-8. As a scientist and research professional, she uses her skills to blog and provide words of support to the cancer community.

All content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a medical provider in your particular area of need before making significant changes in your medical decisions or lifestyle.

References

A Safe and Healthy Halloween 2022

Keep calm, trick or treat, and carry on…

Halloween can bring joy and excitement for children with cancer but also a little “FOMO” (fear of missing out), especially when they see their friends and family enjoying all the festivities at school and in the community. Cancer or not, since the Covid-19 pandemic started, we have all needed to be a little more careful with the details of our outings. Extra masks, sanitizer, frequent hand-washing, being vaccinated, keeping social distance, and avoiding large crowds are just the basic requirements that will likely be permanent ways of life for every person on the planet. Alas, we should still strive to hold to the allure of thrilling celebrations like Halloween! If your family traditionally partakes in all the ghoulish fun of the season, you will probably need to adjust your usual haunts and flaunts when you have a child with cancer. But, fear not! There are plenty of ways to keep all the Halloween traditions while protecting your child and being cautious of their delicate health. Here are some Halloween tips for children with cancer.

Halloween At Home

Photo by Liliana Drew

As a parent of a child with cancer, it’s perfectly understandable that you might have already decided that it makes the most sense for your family to enjoy Halloween festivities at home. The great news is there are plenty of ways to get in the ‘spirit’ right from the comfort of your home. Getting decked out in your favorite costumes and cuddling on the couch to watch some not-too-scary Halloween movies while munching on ghoulishly decorated treats is sure to make even your most picky critique batty. Check out these personally vetted Halloween-themed movies and DIY easy bites!

Top Rated Classic “Spooky” Flicks:

Coraline– ”Coraline Jones discovers a secret world that’s like her own, but better! When her Other Mother tries to keep her, Coraline must be brave to get home.”
ParaNorman– ”Norman Babcock finds his paranormal abilities pushed to their limits as he takes on zombies and ghosts to save his town from a centuries-old curse.”
A Monster In Paris– ”Experiments gone wrong and a chemical explosion results in a monster unleashed in Paris, but he might not be as dangerous as everyone thought.”
Roald Dahl’s The Witches– ”A young boy and his grandmother have a run-in with a coven of witches and their leader.”
The Addams Family– “Get ready to snap your fingers! The Addams Family is an animated comedy about the kookiest family on the block. Funny, outlandish, and utterly iconic, the Addams Family redefines what it means to be a good neighbor.”
Hocus Pocus– “You’re in for a devil of a time when three outlandishly wild witches return from 17th-century Salem after being accidentally conjured up by some unsuspecting pranksters!”

*Source Descriptions: Imdb.com, tubitv.com, amazon.com, netflix.com

Frightfully Fit Treats!

Photo by Daisy Anderson

Easy DIY
- 12 Healthy Halloween Treats and Snacks by Yummy Toddler Food
- 25 Healthy Halloween Recipes by This Healthy Table
- 30 Healthy Halloween Treats, Snacks, and Recipe Ideas the Whole Family Will Love by Prevention

Pre-made and ready to go!
- Allergy-friendly candies made with natural ingredients by Yum Earth
- Low sugar with just the right amount of sweet by Rip Van Wafels Dutch
- All-natural crunchy fruit snacks by Bare Baked
- Healthy “Cheetos” made out of chickpeas by HIPPEAS

Costumes on a Budget

Girl showing off her stylish and budget costume

Photo by Daisy Anderson Cottonbro from Pexels

Did you know that every year in, millions of Halloween costumes are thrown away or forgotten about? That’s right, our landfills get consumed with costumes made from sin-use plastic materials that are primarily non-biodegradable. With Halloween fast approaching and not to mention the rising cost of ALL goods, don’t feel shy about acquiring costumes for your family that have been donated or purchased.

You can obviously use costumes from previous years or try your creativity at a DIY masterpiece. But, when you are busy caring for a sick child, a ready-made one is understandably easier. There are many options to find costumes that won’t break your wallet:

Costume swap with neighbors and friends without spending a dime! Post your costume or look for one at low cost or free on Nextdoor, Facebook Marketplace, or your local Goodwill store.
Costumes specifically available for children with cancer are distributed across the United States by several wonderful organizations, including; ‘WEEN DREAM.
Wheelchair and walker-friendly costumes from the non-profit organization Walkin’ & Rollin’.

Stepping Out?

Perhaps you want to brave the haunts that lurk outdoors and take your child out of the home for some Halloween fun instead. Many community-based options exist. Check your local areas to see if they have timed, safe, and kid-friendly offerings. Some places will likely offer a low-key, festive experience:

Your child’s/family hospital and/or doctor’s office
Libraries
Indoor and Outdoor shopping malls and Centers
Car dealership hubs
Farms
Nature Centers
Community and Town Centers

Need More Support? Contact Us!

We hope you found these Halloween tips for children with cancer, helpful. If you need additional help; whether it is finding the perfect superhero costume or help at home, or if you are a family with a child newly diagnosed with cancer or know of a family who finds themselves in this challenging situation, please contact Here to Serve. Please click on the Get Help button from our homepage. Wishing you and your family a safe Halloween filled with lasting memories!

By Sameera Rangwala, M.S., M.P.H

About the Author

Sameera Rangwala spent 15 years in the biotechnology industry. As a scientist and research professional, she uses her skills to blog and provides words of support to the cancer community.

All content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a medical provider in your particular area of need before making significant changes in your medical decisions or lifestyle.

National Critical Illness Awareness Month

Are you covered?

10/22/2023

It may seem like a “designated” awareness month exists for just about everything these days. From things like “National No Beard Day” and “National Lima Bean Respect Day” to “National Gratitude Month” there is no lack of creative ideas dedicated to a month or day. However, amongst the seemingly silly days, the truly significant ones are brought back to the surface yearly. National Critical Illness Awareness Month was founded by The American Association for Critical Illness Insurance in 2011. A critical illness, unlike the flu in most cases, is a life-threatening medical condition. This month, the three main acute illnesses highlighted nationally are heart attack, stroke, and cancer. October was selected because Fall is usually the time of the year that employers offer critical illness insurance plans to their employees.

Man looking at his laptop with a serious face

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-wearing-brown-jacket-and-using-grey-laptop-874242/

In most cases, a childhood cancer diagnosis is something that you can’t foreshadow. The bad news feels like it comes out of the twilight zone, especially if your family doesn’t have any history of chronic or critical illnesses. Besides learning all about your child’s cancer and treatment journey, you are suddenly left figuring out how you will cover the medical costs. Unfortunately, cancer doesn’t always follow the “open enrollment” insurance calendar, and it’s an uninvited, unwelcome guest that can show up anytime. You might ask yourself, should I prepare now just in case after reading this? Does my employer offer critical illness insurance? What is the cost of cancer? How expensive is cancer treatment with insurance? What other options do I have if my employer doesn’t offer coverage? Here we’ll briefly cover the questions you should be asking your employer and resources to help you navigate how to prepare for the future and/or acquire cancer medical coverage quickly when you least expect you need it.

How Does Critical Illness Insurance Work?

Critical illness insurance is a specific type of insurance that gives policyholders a lump sum payment for catastrophic diagnoses like cancer. The policyholder can use the money they receive however they like, and many put it toward medical bills or to replace lost wages. Every policy has slightly different terms and most cover these illnesses:

Cancer
Organ transplant
Heart transplant
Heart attack
Paralysis
Coronary bypass surgery
Stroke
Kidney failure
Organ transplant
Heart transplant
Parkinson’s
Lou Gehrig’s disease
Multiple sclerosis

Each insurance will clearly state which illnesses they cover and which they don’t with critical illness insurance. Understandably, it’s not common to think about the possibility of your child becoming critically ill. However, if this happens, children’s critical illness insurance can provide financial support for pediatric cancer patients as well as other illnesses. Adult policies can also be extended to cover them at no extra charge when it comes to a child that may get a critical illness like pediatric cancer. Adult policies can also be extended to protect them at no additional cost.

Should I get covered?

Critical illness insurance coverage is worth it if you believe you would struggle with the finances of getting extremely ill. An adult getting sick or having a severely ill child can significantly impact household finances, especially if the primary earner needs to take time off work. Critical illness insurance can lighten the burden of a cancer diagnosis in your household. Additionally, each policy’s lump sum payment will vary depending on specific insurance terms. The payment can be generous depending on the diagnosis, and the amount can range between $10,000 to $50,000.

Types of Critical Illness Insurance

Photo by Olya Kobruseva: https://www.pexels.com/photo/health-insurance-scrabble-tiles-on-planner-7163955/

There are three types of critical illness insurance most companies offer. You should consult with your employer-funded or private insurance company to find out what coverage is available to you. Each provides different benefits and considerations:

Simplified Issue: Individual or Group

Usually, the most common and inexpensive. Most simplified issue policies have a maximum payout of $50,000. Simplified issue insurance policies have a lower monthly premium, and you don’t need to provide rigorous family medical history information.

Fully Underwritten: Individual or Group

This coverage offers a higher payout for policyholders, usually up to $500,000. The insurance company will require an extensive medical history to award you a policy close to the maximum payout amount, and monthly premium payments will increase.

Policy Rider

This will apply if you have an existing policy. A policy rider can be added at any time, even if it’s not the typical window for choosing insurance.

Please contact your specific health insurance company to find out how you and your family can be covered in the event of a critical illness diagnosis.

Need More Support To Find Medical Coverage? Contact Us!

If you are a family with a child newly diagnosed with cancer, or if you know of a family who finds themselves in this challenging situation, please contact Here to Serve. The team is ready to help families navigate this challenging new world in light of a childhood cancer diagnosis and provide support in many different ways. Explore the services we offer, and click on the Get Help button from our homepage.

By Sameera Rangwala, M.S., M.P.H

About the Author

Sameera Rangwala spent 15 years in the biotechnology industry. As a scientist and research professional, she uses her skills to blog and provides words of support to the cancer community.

All content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a medical provider in your particular area of need before making significant changes in your medical decisions or lifestyle.

Dealing with Pain in Pediatric Cancer

New Methods of Management for Pediatric Cancer Pain

Virtual reality (VR) and Augmented reality (AR)

September is Pain Awareness Month and Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. These are two crucial months to raise awareness of two very different but equally tricky experiences: pain and cancer. When you have a child with cancer, you know that pain is a complex phenomenon that can profoundly impact people’s lives. It can be physical, emotional, or both. Our previous blogs for Pain Awareness Month covered the causes, types, and characteristics of cancer-related pain. We’ve also discussed the importance of communicating your pain to your healthcare team so they can help you manage it effectively.

This year’s focus will be on a new and potentially exciting approach to help children manage pain while they undergo treatment and recovery. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are emerging technologies that offer hope for children with cancer who struggle with pain. VR headsets can transport children to a different world, taking their minds off their pain and giving them a sense of control. AR apps can overlay digital images and information onto the real world, helping children to better understand their pain and treatment.

Pain Management for Children

Here are some of the ways that VR and AR can potentially be used for pain management in children with cancer:

VR can be used to create immersive environments that distract children from their pain. For example, children undergoing bone marrow aspiration could be transported to a beach or a forest, while children undergoing chemotherapy could be transported to a video game world.
AR can be used to provide real-time information about pain. For example, AR apps could be used to show children how their pain levels change over time or provide them with educational information about pain.
VR and AR can give children a sense of control over their pain. For example, children could use VR to choose the environment they want to be in, or they could use AR to interact with pain-relieving objects.

Recent Research

VR and AR have the potential to revolutionize the way we treat pain. In recent years, there has been a growing body of research that suggests that VR and AR can be effective in reducing pain in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and even homes.

Three recent studies have found particularly hopeful data on the positive impacts of VR and AR for pediatric cancer pain.

Study 1

Title: Virtual reality for management of cancer pain: Study rationale and design

Publish Date: January 2022

Journal: Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications

A team of researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center and MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C., conducted a study to see if virtual reality (VR) could help to manage cancer pain in hospitalized patients. The study found that VR was effective in reducing pain intensity and improving pain-related interference with function.

The study enrolled 60 adults with cancer who were experiencing moderate to severe pain. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either VR therapy or standard care (pain medication). The VR therapy used a VR headset to play a nature-based game. The standard care group received pain medication as needed.

The results of the study showed that the VR group had a significant reduction in pain intensity and pain-related interference with function compared to the standard care group. The VR group also reported feeling more relaxed and in control of their pain.

These findings suggest that VR therapy is a promising intervention for managing cancer pain in hospitalized patients. It is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment that can help to improve patients’ quality of life. More research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal dose and duration of VR therapy. But the results of this study are promising and suggest that VR could be a valuable tool for helping cancer patients cope with pain.”

Study 2

Title: Virtual reality in chemotherapy support for the treatment of physical functions, fear, and quality of life in pediatric cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Publish Date: April 2023

Journal: Frontiers in Public Health

The study aimed to systematically review the evidence on the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) for treating physical functions, fear, and quality of life in pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The researchers included 14 studies in their meta-analysis. The studies involved 768 pediatric cancer patients. and different VR interventions, including games, simulations, and relaxation exercises.

The meta-analysis results showed that VR effectively improved physical functions, reduced fear, and improved quality of life in pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The effects of VR were more pronounced for physical functions and fear than for quality of life. Though the study design had a few limitations, this is great news for kids undergoing chemotherapy. The study concluded VR can help them to stay active and engaged, reduce their fear of the treatment, and improve their overall quality of life. More research is needed to confirm these findings and explore VR therapy’s optimal dose and duration. But the results of this study are promising and suggest that VR could be a valuable tool for helping pediatric cancer patients cope with the challenges of their treatment.

Study 3

Title: Immersive and Non-Immersive Virtual Reality for Pain and Anxiety Management in Pediatric Patients with Hematological or Solid Cancer: A Systematic Review

Publish Date: February 2023

Journal: Cancers

This study was conducted by researchers from several universities in Spain and looked at the results of 24 studies that involved 1,558 pediatric patients with hematological or solid cancer. The studies used different VR interventions, including games, simulations, and relaxation exercises.The results of the study showed that VR was effective in reducing pain and anxiety in pediatric patients with hematological or solid cancer. The effects of VR were more pronounced for pain than for anxiety.

This is hopful news for kids who are going through cancer treatment. VR can help them to stay calm and distracted during painful procedures, and it can also help to reduce their anxiety about their diagnosis and treatment.

The obviouse benefit of VR is that it is a safe and well-tolerated treatment, and it has no serious side effects. But the results of this study are promising and suggest that VR could be a valuable tool for helping pediatric cancer patients cope with pain and anxiety.

Some potential findings on the advantges of using VR include:

Reduce pain: distract children from their pain by immersing them in a virtual world. This can be especially helpful during painful procedures, such as bone marrow biopsies or lumbar punctures.
Reduce anxiety: reduce children’s anxiety about their diagnosis and treatment. This can be done by exposing them to virtual experiences that are similar to what they will experience in real life.
Improve mood: improve children’s mood by providing them with a positive and engaging experience. This can be especially helpful for children who are feeling isolated or bored during their treatment.

Resources for Caregivers

There are a number of VR and AR applications that can be helpful for kids with cancer. Here are a few examples:

Kimo: This app uses VR to help children with cancer cope with pain and anxiety. It features a variety of games and activities that can help children to relax and distract themselves.

The Imaginary Friend Society: This AR app uses augmented reality to bring to life a cast of animated characters who can help children to cope with the challenges of cancer treatment.

Augmented reality coloring books: These apps allow children to color in virtual coloring books using their smartphones or tablets. The coloring books can be customized with different images and themes, and they can help children to relax and de-stress.

The 360 Stories: This VR app features a collection of 360-degree videos that can take children on virtual adventures around the world. These videos can help children to escape from their current reality and experience something new and exciting.

What devices are needed for VR and AR?

The devices needed for VR and AR vary depending on the specific application. However, some of the most common devices include:

Headsets: VR headsets are the most important device for VR. They provide the user with a visual and sometimes auditory experience that is completely immersive. There are many different VR headsets available, ranging from high-end devices like the Oculus Quest 2 to more affordable options like the Google Cardboard.

By Sameera Rangwala, M.S., M.P.H

About the Author

Sameera Rangwala spent 15 years in the biotechnology industry and is currently a life science educator for children in grades 5-8. As a scientist and research professional, she uses her skills to blog and provides words of support to the cancer community.

All content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a medical provider in your particular area of need before making significant changes in your medical decisions or lifestyle.

References:

September to Remember- Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Revolutionizing the Diagnosis of Blood Cancers with AI

09/10/2023

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of this devastating disease and its impact on pediatric patients. Blood cancers are the most common type of cancer in children and can be tough to treat. Many children with blood cancer are forced to undergo aggressive treatments that can have lasting effects on their physical and emotional health. As discussed in our last blog dedicated to blood cancer awareness, pediatric patients may experience side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and hair loss. They may also have to miss school and social activities. Despite the challenges, many children with blood cancer live long and healthy lives. With the support of their families, friends, medical teams, and new technologies, they can hopefully overcome this disease and thrive!

In this installment dedicated to blood cancer awareness, we’ll cover how Artificial intelligence (AI) has been used to develop new diagnostic tools for blood cancers in recent years. Some people worry that AI will become so powerful that humans will lose control. This is a legitimate concern, as AI systems are becoming increasingly complex and sophisticated. However, it is essential to remember that AI systems are still designed and created by humans. Humans have the power to control how AI systems are used.

How Can AI Help?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to diagnose blood cancers in many ways, including:

Automated image analysis: AI can analyze blood cell images to identify abnormalities indicative of cancer. This can be used to screen blood samples for cancer or to help doctors diagnose cancer more accurately.
Machine learning: Machine learning algorithms can be trained on large datasets of blood cancer images to learn to identify patterns associated with different cancer types. This can be used to develop new diagnostic tools that are more accurate than traditional methods.
Natural language processing: Natural language processing (NLP) can be used to analyze patient medical records to identify risk factors for blood cancer or to track the progression of the disease. This information can be used to help doctors make better treatment decisions.

Chatbots: Chatbots can provide information and support to patients with blood cancer. They can also be used to collect data from patients that can be used to improve AI-powered diagnostic tools.

Current Research on AL

If you have a child with cancer, specifically blood cancer, you likely already know that the most common blood cancer in children is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It accounts for about 30% of all childhood cancers. The good news is that AI offers hope for earlier detection of ALL! Learn more about the research conducted to use AI as a tool or companion diagnostic system to predict ALL earlier in potential cancer patients. Check out the studies below!

Predicting Molecular Subtype and Survival of Rhabdomyosarcoma Patients Using Deep Learning of H&E Images: A Report from the Children’s Oncology Group-This is the first study to include a wider variety of cell types in leukemia diagnosis, and the results suggest that the system could be a valuable tool for improving the early detection and treatment of leukemia in children. A new was developed that uses a convolutional neural network (CNN) to analyze bone marrow images and was able to achieve an accuracy of 82.93% in classifying white blood cells (WBCs) and 89% in diagnosing acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL). The system also detected the bone marrow metastasis of lymphoma and neuroblastoma. The study also found that the AI system could identify high-risk features associated with specific mutations at diagnosis. This is important because it could help doctors better predict the disease’s course and develop more personalized treatment plans.

Explainable AI in Diagnosing and Anticipating Leukemia Using Transfer Learning Method-This study proposed an automated method for detecting acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) using transfer learning models and local interpretable model-agnostic explanations (LIME). LIME is a technique for explaining the predictions of black-box machine learning models. A black-box model is a model that cannot be easily understood by humans. LIME works by creating a more straightforward, interpretable model that explains the predictions of the black-box model. The method was evaluated on a dataset of blood cell images and achieved an accuracy of 98.38% with the InceptionV3 model (in lamins terms, that’s a tool for image recognition.) The results showed that the proposed method is a promising approach for the early detection of ALL.

A2M-LEUK: attention-augmented algorithm for blood cancer detection in children-A new algorithm called A2M-LEUK has been proposed for the early detection of leukemia. A2M-LEUK uses attention mechanisms to focus on the most essential features in blood cell images, making it more sensitive to subtle changes that can indicate leukemia. Attention mechanism basically means it allows the model to “pay attention” to certain parts of the data and to give them more weight when making predictions. The algorithm was more accurate than other methods, achieving an accuracy of 98.38% on a dataset of blood cell images. This optimistic development could lead to earlier detection and treatment of leukemia, improving patient outcomes.

Need Cancer Support?

Here To Serve can support your family as you navigate your child’s cancer diagnosis. As the only national nonprofit focusing on the cancer journey, helping families with their day-to-day life, including finances, meals, housekeeping, childcare, pet care, transportation, and more, we are the missing link you might so critically need. Please don’t hesitate to contact us and get help immediately!

References:

By Sameera Rangwala, M.S., M.P.H

About the Author

Sameera Rangwala spent 15 years in the biotechnology industry and is currently a life science educator for children in grades 5-8. As a scientist and research professional, she uses her skills to blog and provides words of support to the cancer community.

All content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a medical provider in your particular area of need before making significant changes in your medical decisions or lifestyle.

National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

A Time to Celebrate Progress and Fight for a Cure

09/03/2023

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! Let’s come together to celebrate the progress we’ve made in the fight against childhood cancer and fight for a cure. This year, we are especially celebrating the passage of the Childhood Cancer STAR Reauthorization Act, which will significantly invest in childhood cancer research and care.

The Childhood Cancer STAR Reauthorization Act of 2022 is a landmark legislation investing significantly in childhood cancer research and care. The bill, signed into law by President Biden in January 2023, will provide $5.8 billion over five years to support research on new and better treatments for childhood cancer, improve childhood cancer surveillance, and enhance support for survivors and their families.

Important provisions of the Childhood Cancer STAR Reauthorization Act:

Expanded research funding: The bill will provide $3.5 billion for research on new and better treatments for childhood cancer. This funding will support clinical trials, basic research, and translational research that aims to translate laboratory discoveries into new therapies for children with cancer.
Improved childhood cancer surveillance: The bill will provide $1 billion to improve childhood cancer surveillance. This funding will support state cancer registries, which track childhood cancer incidence and survival rates. This information is essential for understanding the burden of childhood cancer and identifying new disease trends.
Enhanced support for survivors and their families: The bill will provide $1.3 billion to enhance support for childhood cancer survivors and their families. This funding will support programs that provide financial assistance, mental health counseling, and other resources to help survivors cope with the long-term effects of cancer.

Major research institutions that are involved in the STAR Act:

The Childhood Cancer STAR Reauthorization Act of 2022 (STAR Act) supports research at various institutions across the United States. Some of the major research institutions that are involved in the STAR Act include:

National Cancer Institute (NCI): The NCI is the leading federal agency for cancer research. The NCI is responsible for funding and conducting research on childhood cancer, and it also provides support to other research institutions that are conducting childhood cancer research.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP): CHOP is another leading pediatric research hospital in the STAR Act. CHOP is conducting research on a variety of childhood cancer treatments, including immunotherapy and precision medicine.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: Dana-Farber is a leading cancer research institute also involved in the STAR Act. Dana-Farber is researching various childhood cancer treatments, including new forms of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Memorial Sloan Kettering is a leading cancer research institute also involved in the STAR Act. Memorial Sloan Kettering is researching various childhood cancer treatments, including new forms of surgery and bone marrow transplantation.

For families with a child with cancer, the STAR Act means:

New hope for a cure: The bill will fund research on new and better treatments for childhood cancer, including immunotherapy, precision medicine, and gene therapy. This research has the potential to lead to new cures for childhood cancer, and it gives families hope for their child’s future.
Improved access to care: The bill will fund programs to improve access to childhood cancer care, including programs to help families pay for treatment and programs to train more doctors and nurses in childhood cancer care. This will make it easier for families to get their child’s care when needed.
More support for survivors: The bill will fund programs to support childhood cancer survivors, including programs to help survivors cope with the physical and emotional effects of cancer and programs to help survivors transition to adulthood. This support will help survivors live long and healthy lives after cancer.
Fund a new national childhood cancer registry to track childhood cancer incidence and survival rates. This information will help researchers better understand the disease and develop better treatments.
Support research on the late effects of childhood cancer, which are the long-term health problems that can occur after cancer treatment. This research will help doctors better care for survivors and prevent or manage late effects.
Provide grants to help states improve their childhood cancer care systems. This funding will help states ensure that all children with cancer receive high-quality care.
Fund a new pilot program to provide comprehensive care for childhood cancer survivors. This program will bring together doctors, nurses, social workers, and other providers to provide survivors with the care they need to live long and healthy lives.

If the STAR Act is successful, it will l accelerate progress in childhood cancer research and care and provide much-needed support to survivors and their families. If you have a child with cancer, you should be encouraged by this important legislation. It is a sign that our country is committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer and improving survivors’ quality of life.

How Can YOU Help This Month?

This is a time to wear gold, raise awareness, and donate to organizations that are working to make a difference. Let’s show our support for the kids who are fighting this disease and their families. Together, we can make a difference!

Here are some specific ways you can get involved in Childhood Cancer Awareness Month:

Wear gold–Gold is the official color of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Wear gold clothing, accessories, or jewelry to show your support.
Raise awareness–Talk to your friends, family, and coworkers about childhood cancer. Share information about the disease and the importance of research.
Donate to a charity-There are many charities that are working to fight childhood cancer. Donate to a charity that you care about.
Volunteer your time–There are many ways to volunteer your time to help children with cancer. You can visit children in the hospital, help with fundraising events, or advocate for better childhood cancer care. Check out volunteer opportunites with Here To Serve.

Let’s make September a month to remember! Together, we can make a difference in the fight against childhood cancer.

Need Cancer Support?

The passing of this important bill is a testament to the hard work of families, advocates, and researchers fighting for this legislation for years. With this new law, along with cancer families, Here To Serve is hopeful to be one step closer to a future where no child dies from cancer. Here To Serve can support your family as you navigate your child’s cancer diagnosis. As the only national nonprofit focusing on the cancer journey helping families with their day-to-day life, including finances, meals, housekeeping, childcare, pet care, transportation, and more, we are the missing link you might so critically need. Please don’t hesitate to contact us and get help immediately.

By Sameera Rangwala, M.S., M.P.H

About the Author

Sameera Rangwala spent 15 years in the biotechnology industry and is currently a life science educator for children in grades 5-8. As a scientist and research professional, she uses her skills to blog and provides words of support to the cancer community.

All content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a medical provider in your particular area of need before making significant changes in your medical decisions or lifestyle.

Art Helps Cancer Patients’ Mental Health

A Form of Therapy

Art has been used since ancient times to express ourselves. It provides a means to communicate when words are not enough and a positive distraction from the troubles around us. Creating art has always been a form of therapy for humanity; now science is proving that it can be a form of treatment to help the mental health of children with cancer and their caregivers. It can come in painting, drawing, sculpting, collaging, and more. When so much feels out of control, creating art allows kids to be the architect of their own stories, unlocking their imagination and child-like wonder, which is something every child deserves.

Art Improves Communication and Mental Health

It’s hard to express the gravity of the cancer journey, especially as a child. Art therapy is often used to help children express their feelings, build relationships, and improve their coping skills. It also requires a basic level of focus which can distract children from stress and pain. Sometimes, art can be telling and guide a conversation about the child’s struggles or insecurities. For example, if a child draws their friends at school, this may bring up the topic of isolation or loneliness. Art can also uplift spirits, like a child drawing themselves as superheroes can help enhance confidence.

In a study from the National Endowment for the Arts’ Research Labs program found that patients were less stressed and anxious and felt more positive and confident. It was even described as a few moments of respite from hectic treatment schedules. Caregivers reported less burnout, allowing them to process the challenges and journey of dealing with cancer.

How to Optimize an Art Therapy Session

You can get a professional art therapist for your child’s art sessions, but it’s unnecessary. All you need are art tools and a child ready to play!

Pick an optional time of day. It’s best to schedule a time during the day when your child has more energy. Having these activities during treatment or when a child is fatigued can create a negative association or aversion to the activity.
Have them choose! Provide different art forms like drawing or painting. Having a say in the decision can feel empowering.
Let go of guardrails. This is a time for the child to get creative and make up their own rules. It’s supposed to feel fun and encouraging.
Give positive reinforcement. Let them know that you value the work they’re doing. This shows that you care and can help increase your bond and their confidence.

Here to Serve Can Help

Art is one of the many therapies that can help families’ mental health along the cancer journey. At Here to Serve, support programs and their resource referrals can also assist families in finding additional mental health resources, financial services, transportation, lodging, organizational assistance, spiritual support, and more. Discover the many services Here to Serve offers. If you or someone you know has been recently diagnosed with cancer, have them reach out to Here to Serve to get help now!

By Emily Rogalin

All information on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a medical provider in your particular area of need before making significant changes in your medical decisions or lifestyle.

What About Me? Caring for Siblings of Children with Cancer

What About Me?

Caring for Siblings of Children with Cancer

It’s summer and you are excited about all the plans your family has for vacations, time with friends and siblings exploring uncharted territories, or backyard fun tent camping with smores, or even eventually working up the nerve to jump off that diving board in the town pool! But, just like an unannounced and unwelcome mosquito or bee bite, cancer decides it has other plans for your brother or sister, and your world turns drastically upside. Cancer sucks!

Siblings of children with cancer need emotional support to navigate and make sense of lifestyle changes when a family gets a cancer diagnosis. They often get caught in the middle of newly fluctuating time spent with a child battling cancer. Here we discuss ways to keep relationships between siblings and parents harmonious and balanced while going through the cancer journey.

Explaining a Cancer Diagnosis

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

It can be scary and traumatizing for children to witness the declining health of their once energetic sibling. As a parent, it’s essential to take time to explain cancer to all members living with a patient because the reality is that cancer is not just some temporary virus or bacterial infection that might go away quickly. It’s understandable that, as a parent/caregiver, you might worry that your children will be too upset or that they are too young to understand. However, we can all agree that children in the 21st century are well equipped to quickly pick up on issues in a household, so explaining early and honestly is essential. All your children should be included in conversations about cancer to prevent any potential feelings of anger or mistrust towards parents.

Tools and Ideas to Talk to Your Child’s Siblings at Diagnosis:

Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels

Just Talk

For older siblings, explaining the science behind cancer may be an effective way to keep them in the loop and have a practical outlook on their brother or sister’s cancer diagnosis. Knowledge is power; the more children have, the more equipped they will be during cancer treatment. Keep siblings up to date on doctors’ appointments and outcomes. It might also be a good idea to practice role-playing with siblings so that they feel comfortable talking to a sibling with cancer. Siblings might isolate themselves from the family because they don’t feel included and don’t know exactly how to talk about it. Encourage regular conversation about cancer between siblings. Check out this great video created by National Geographic on the basic science behind cancer.

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Books and Activities

Explaining complicated human body mechanisms might not be the best way to explain cancer to younger siblings. However, it’s good for them to know what’s going on at a very young age so they understand why they may not be getting the same attention before cancer. A great way to talk about cancer is through books and activities that cater to young readers. Here are some great ones to check out!

My Sister Got Cancer: A Workbook for Siblings of Cancer Patients by Emmett B Kelly and Dr. Timothy F Brown
Upside Down and Backwards: A Sibling’s Journey Through Childhood Cancer by Julie Greves CCLS, Katy Tenhulzen CCLS, & Fred Wilkinson LICSW
Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling by Sharon Wozny and Melissa Bailey
What Happens When My Sibling Has Cancer: A Book for the Brothers and Sisters of Pediatric Cancer Patients by Sara Olsher

Image by RODNAE Productions

Keeping Life Normal

The last thing you want siblings to feel is forgotten after a cancer diagnosis. From toddlers to teenagers, children can absorb feelings of loneliness and isolation when the normalcy of their lives is drastically changed. To make the transition easier and help siblings also understand why everyday routines need to change, it’s a good idea to explain early and often. Though it might be an extra balancing act for parents, it’s likely worth keeping school and extracurricular schedules as unaltered as possible because these are places children spend most of their days. For example, keeping tennis, swim or soccer practices a priority for your non-cancer child is essential so they know their needs are being met outside the home. It will make it much easier for them to adjust to changes in the home. It can be tricky for caregivers to shift energy between a sick child and paying attention to other siblings. There is help out there! Read the last paragraph! Without help, your biggest hurdle will be having enough energy to spare. However, children are resilient and help is available. Children will understand when attention needs to shift to a sick sibling, even if they may not like the idea of compromising their time. But even just a 10-minute conversation makes a difference.

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, scheduling at least 15-30 minutes a day to spend uninterrupted time with your child can significantly affect how they cope with having a sibling with cancer.

Have a conversation with a snack about their day and ask about the best and worst parts.
Read a book together, watch a fascinating YouTube video, or have them show you something funny on social media.
Take a quick walk around the neighborhood to get a break from being inside the home, where things have likely changed because of cancer care requirements.

Resources For Supporting Siblings

Siblings of children with special medical requirements that impact daily life will need time and patience to fully process and comprehend the new challenges and experiences that come with a cancer diagnosis. Even if they seem unimpacted or don’t show emotion towards the new environment, they likely feel something and may hide it internally from caregivers. Siblings may feel that their emotions are an extra burden. The best thing a parent or caregiver can do is to make time and remember to ask how siblings are, especially when they are quiet. The following informational resources are available to aid caregivers in answering questions and finding the right words to discuss this significant life change.

Guides and tips for supporting children through illness or injury of their siblings:

Need Support for Siblings? Contact Us!

If you are a family with a child newly diagnosed with cancer, or if you know of a family who finds themselves in this challenging situation, please contact Here to Serve. Their team is ready to help families navigate this challenging new world in light of a childhood cancer diagnosis and provide support in many different ways. Here to Serve helps keep normalcy for siblings as part of their programs. They make sure that all the children are cared for and are able to make extracurricular activities happen for siblings. Please click on the Get Help button from our homepage.

By Sameera Rangwala, M.S., M.P.H

About the Author

Sameera Rangwala spent 15 years in the biotechnology industry. As a scientist and research professional, she uses her skills to blog and provides words of support to the cancer community.

All content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only.

The Power of Animal-Assisted Therapy

Therapeutic Benefits

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Even this question recognizes that most of us have connections with animals. This concept is known as biophilia, humans’ innate tendency to bond with animals. While biophilia is complex because of evolution and biological components, there’s no denying that animals often make life better and a little more manageable. In fact, a myriad of evidence has shown that our furry friends can provide therapeutic benefits.

Previous studies have shown that human-animal interactions can help release oxytocin (the feel-good hormone), endorphins, and serotonin and can reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) levels. Releasing these hormones could help reduce pain and anxiety while increasing relaxation for children undergoing cancer treatment.

There is so much to endure during the cancer journey, including physical, emotional, and mental health challenges. Some of the worst side effects of a pediatric cancer diagnosis include fear and stress, depression, and pain. The medical community widely agrees that nurturing animals may help relieve these symptoms.

In 2014, the International Association of Animal-Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO) developed guidelines for therapies based on human-animal bond benefits, including animal-assisted therapy (AAT).

What’s involved in AAT?

AAT is directed by a trained professional and is defined as “focusing on enhancing physical, cognitive, behavioral and/or socio-emotional functioning of the particular human recipient.” Dogs are usually the primary animals used, although programs will adjust based on the patient’s needs.

Does it work?

Patients in a study that focused on pediatric cancer patients also reported a decrease in pain, irritation, stress, and a tendency towards the improvement of depressive symptoms. Caregivers and healthcare providers also felt the benefits, too. AAT helped caregivers improve anxiety, mental confusion, and tension.

This is a cancer patient, Chris Vega, right before his transplant with his precious lab by his side, providing comfort and love.

AAT was also proven to distract patients and families successfully by changing the focus of symptoms and procedures. In fact, it was more effective than other methods of distraction in a hospital setting like reading, interaction with volunteers, or recreational activities.

More quantitative research is needed regarding AATs effectiveness in a pediatric cancer setting, but studies to date show promising effectiveness. Of course, animals are a build-on therapy and can’t completely cure. Still, they can be a therapeutic distraction while providing a sense of unconditional love, support, and safety when things feel incredibly overwhelming.

How Here to Serve can help

Here to Serve can help throughout the cancer journey. If you are interested in AAT, we can help source AAT programs that are right for you and your family. In addition to sourcing support services and other resources, Here to Serve provides Family Care Coordinators, an online custom care community where friends, neighbors, loved ones, and the community can assist with home needs. They also help with financial needs. Enduring a cancer diagnosis for you or your child can feel unmanageable and isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you or someone you know who has children and was recently diagnosed with cancer, Get Help today with Here to Serve.

By Emily Rogalin

Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): CAR T-Cell Therapy to the Rescue!

Learn About Immunotherapy

Image Credit: Blausen.com staff (2014). “Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014”. WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 2002-4436.

The Science Behind CAR T-Cell Therapy

Though it’s true that, in some cases, our bodies can spontaneously and furiously turn against us, they are also purposefully hard-wired to guard us against ourselves. Did you know that your own body is one of the best defenses against most ailments and diseases, especially when it comes to cancer? In scientific terms, this is referred to as immunotherapy, and the word indicates using your immune system to treat you. Over the past several years, immunotherapy has been used to harness a patient’s immune system to attack cancer.

Racing the front line of immunotherapy is Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy, otherwise known as CAR T-Cell Therapy. That may seem like a mouthful of a name for a potential superhero cell that gets recruited into the immunotherapy army right from your own body “marrows.” The term chimeric means something new formed from “parts.” T cells are a type of white blood cell part of the immune system and develop from stem cells in the bone marrow. They help protect the body from infection and may help fight cancer. T cells are taken from a patient’s blood in this cancer treatment. These cells are genetically modified to express a protein that recognizes and binds to a target called CD19, found on cancerous B cells. These new chimeric patient T-cells are grown in a lab to produce large numbers of newly engineered patient cells. The cells are then injected into the patient like well-trained cancer-fighting ninjas that will hopefully multiply and conquer inside your body. When the reprogrammed T cells are back in the patient, they flow throughout the body and begin locating cancerous B cells. Your body welcomes and recognizes the new cells as “living drugs” that will hunt and find the specific cancer they target.

Image Credit: Reyasingh56 via Commons Wikimedia.Org

CAR T-Cell Compared to Traditional Treatments

If CAR T-Cell therapy sounds like a new uncharted genetic innovation, it’s most definitely not. You can rest assured that scientists have studied this type of cell manipulation for decades. Many people might not realize that this innovative therapy is the culmination of more than sixty years of dedicated research utilizing knowledge of the immune system, genetic engineering, antibody therapy, and a deep understanding of the underpinnings of blood cancers. In the 1950s, understanding the procedure known as bone marrow transplantation aided the groundwork for developing this therapy. This was the first concept of infusing cells into blood cancer patients to control cancer and understanding that T cells have the power to kill cancer cells.

Several years of dedicated research led to the first CAR T-cell therapy, tisagenlecleucel-T (Kymriah™), getting approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on August 30, 2017, for the treatment of children and young adults 25 and younger with relapsed and refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Since 2017, six CAR T-cell therapies have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All are approved to treat blood cancers, including lymphomas, some forms of leukemia, and, most recently, multiple myeloma. This therapy has proven effective in clinical trials, and tens of thousands of people have received CAR-T cell treatment. Many adults and children near death are now in remission, and some remain healthy more than five years after treatment.

So how do traditional chemotherapy and radiation compare? The initial development of CAR T-cell therapies focuses on the most common cancer in children, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). More than 80% of children diagnosed with ALL that arises in B cells, the predominant type of pediatric ALL, will be cured by intensive chemotherapy. But effective treatments have been limited for patients whose cancers return or relapse after chemotherapy or a stem-cell transplant.CAR T-cell therapy is approved to treat children and adolescents with fairly advanced B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but not other leukemias or pediatric cancers. CAR T-cell therapy is an option for patients who have very resistant ALL. Cancer has come back once, but they can’t have a stem cell transplant because they aren’t well enough or don’t have a donor. Roughly 85% of ALL patients are treated very successfully with standard chemotherapy. For the remaining 15% of cases, representing many children in the United States, chemotherapy is reported as only working temporarily or not. CART T-cell therapy is not usually prescribed for newly diagnosed leukemia but only for patients whose leukemia is not responding to chemotherapy and whose disease has come back after a bone marrow transplant.

Cancer Families Should Know

The great news is that research on CAR T-cell therapy for a broader range of pediatric cancers at different treatment levels has continued. There are currently hundreds of ongoing clinical trials (mainly adult). Part of this expansion is a product of researchers having identified additional markers on cancer tumor cells that might be good targets for CAR T-cells. However, you should understand a few things about this immunotherapy and its accessibility when doing your own research on options for your child. According to medical and scientific experts in CAR t-cell therapy, four key issues make developing CAR T-cell therapies for pediatric indications a unique challenge.

Firstly, cancers in children don’t always act or respond to therapy the same way as in adults. In addition, the spectrum of malignancies that affect children is unique, and some are rarely seen in adults. For example, children with cancer often have aggressive diseases with more challenging characteristics. Second, since the pediatric population needing treatment for some cancers is so small, it is challenging to get pharmaceutical companies to invest in technologies for pediatric malignancies. A third challenge is that CAR T-cell therapies are labor-intensive and take a long time to develop in research and subsequent manufacturing. The same cancer therapy designed for adults may not necessarily be used for children. Finally, a lack of target antigens (markers) can hinder the development of CAR T-cell therapy for children. However, despite the challenges, including a lack of economic incentives, several clinical trials are examining CAR T-cell therapies for pediatric cancers.

To learn more about some of the current pediatric cancer trials using CAR T-cell therapy, check out the studies below:

City of Hope: Investigational CD123-directed CAR T-cell therapy for patients older than 12 years who have relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia or persistent/recurrent blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm. Clinical Trial #: NCT02159495
Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Examining CAR T-cell therapy as a potential solution to the problem of persistent minimal residual disease (MRD) after front-line chemotherapy. Clinical Trial #: NCT03876769
Novartis Pharmaceuticals: evaluating CAR T-cell therapy for children with high-risk relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma who have poor survival and overall response rates after conventional salvage chemotherapy. Clinical Trial #: NCT03610724
National Cancer Institute (NCI): evaluating a CD22-directed CAR T-cell therapy as second-line treatment for children and young adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies. Clinical Trial # NCT02315612

If you or a friend or loved one has had a child recently diagnosed with cancer, please reach out to Here to Serve for help. Here to Serve provides practical wrap-around support to families who have a child or parent of a child(ren) diagnosed with cancer. Here to Serve is here to help!

By Sameera Rangwala, M.S., M.P.H

About the Author

Sameera Rangwala spent 15 years in the biotechnology industry. As a scientist and research professional, she uses her skills to blog and provides words of support to the cancer community.

This publication is for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition and appropriate treatment.

Is Clean Air Important for Cancer Recovery?

The Effects of Pollution

The Importance of clean air during cancer recovery is not emphasized enough. Studies have shown that patients who live in areas with heavy air pollution are likely to face more difficult odds in their recovery than their counterparts. Therefore, it is vital that you ensure your indoor air pollutants such as industrial pollutants, smoke, and fungal spores are kept at a minimum or avoided entirely.

Research from the International Journal of Cancer has shown a direct connection between exposure to P.M 2.5 particles in the air and the healthy recovery of people suffering from different types of cancer.

PM 2.5 pollution comprises tiny particles and droplets less than 2.5 microns in diameter. For comparison, human hair is 30 to 70 times larger than a PM 2.5 particle. These particles are small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs. They are usually the product of combustion – including smoke and fumes from industrial sources and power plants, vehicle engines, wildfires, or indoor cooking fires.

Photo credit: https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/pollution-city-isometric-concept-with-people-smoke-isometric_6839939.htm#query=clean%20air&position=21&from_view=search

Two Main Benefits of Clean Air

Reduces the risk of lung-related infection- When recovering from any form of cancer, it is crucial to ensure that the immune system is not further compromised by infection, as this significantly slows down recovery. In addition, staying away from pollutants that may aggravate the lungs or disease-causing pathogens will result in a smoother recovery period for patients.
Better sleep for better health- Doctors will often advise that sleep is crucial for recovery. Evidence has emerged that the different components of sleep are; sleep duration, sleep quality, and circadian rhythm, which is the body’s internal clock that spans over a 24-hour period that aligns with natural daylight hours are vital for patients with cancer. Because cell growth and division are primarily affected by one’s circadian rhythm, cancer cells may be more vulnerable or resistant to treatment depending on the treatment. Other areas that benefit from a good night’s sleep are the immune system, the brain, and the production and regulation of hormones.

Photo credit: https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/full-length-portrait-sleeping-peaceful-girl-gray-pajamas-lying-bed_7440236.htm#query=sleep%20child&position=0&from_view=search

To ensure your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is conducive for recovery, avoid in-house open fires, and keep windows closed at all times, especially if you live next to any industrial plants, to prevent dust and smoke. Also, avoid using chemical pollutants such as candles and clean surfaces regularly using non-toxic disinfectants.

The humidity level in your home is one of the biggest causes of health problems. Purchasing a portable humidity meter helps ensure that your home remains within the healthy humidity parameters to stop mold growth.

Photo Credit: https://www.freepik.com/search?format=search&query=fresh%20air

To easily maintain your IAQ and ensure it is at its optimum, a HEPA (High-efficiency particle air) filter helps reduce airborne contaminants in your home. Air filters take in the surrounding air and pass it through a filter, which sifts the air, captures unwanted large particles, and traps them inside the filter releasing clean air with significantly fewer particles. This makes it a serene, safe, and clean air environment for you and your family.

Don’t Make the Cancer Journey Alone

There are so many issues that arise during cancer treatments. Here to Serve offers services for families with children as they navigate cancer. They are the only nonprofit offering wrap-around services to help you manage your cancer journey on the home front. Be sure to GET HELP at diagnosis. Here to Serve helps you meet a wide range of physical, financial, and emotional needs at home to make the journey for you and your family as smooth as possible. Get in touch with us or recommend us to others recently diagnosed with cancer.

By Rhoda Naman

Preparing for Natural Disasters and Shortages

Stocking Up for Cancer Care

Image Credit: Russ Allison Loar

Nowadays, news coverage almost always contains some warning about an impending natural disaster or resource shortage. We either thoroughly shake it off and decide that these warnings are false prophecies or begin to quickly binge-watch “Survivalism” shows that urge users to high-tail it to the nearest Costco for pallets of toilet paper. However, though it’s doubtful we’ll get to the likes of an apocalyptic-level shortage of goods any time in the next few decades, globally, we witnessed how the 2019 pandemic slowed down and even sometimes stopped the way we acquired the goods and services we needed. Shifts in the environments around us due to climate change and new outbreaks of infectious diseases will undoubtedly cause shortages that could impact the way we live in a significant way. Preparing for natural disasters can help alleviate worry, especially during cancer treatment. For a family with a cancer child, these shortages may cause delays in essential supplies needed to care for your child. Preparation is critical and can make all the difference, especially in times of natural disasters and shortages.

If you search the internet, hundreds of disaster preppers and organizations provide what they believe are the essential items to stock up on. It can be overwhelming to think about what you will need to invest to begin your emergency supply. After researching many “top ten” and most recommended lists, we’ve developed a recommended supply list specific to cancer families and their needs. Keeping your emergency supplies separate from your everyday use items is essential. As you curate your supplies over time, whether in a spare bedroom, a closet, or a basement, be sure that wherever you decide to store your emergency stocks, you can quickly and safely access them at any time.

Food & Household Supplies to Stock Up

Bulk Water-Water is precious, especially in cities and states formally declaring a water shortage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that households always have a 14-day supply of water for emergencies per family member. Water is necessary for taking medications and brushing teeth, as well as essential for hydration, and it’s a non-negotiable for survival. The best and most economical option is to purchase water supplies from bulk warehouse stores like Sam’s Club or Costco.
Rice and Beans- Stock up on filling foods, easy to make in a pinch and affordable in large quantities. Rice and beans are also usually okay for patients with cancer to eat because they provide essential nutrients, vitamins, and fiber needed, especially during the treatment and recovery process. When stored in its original package in a cool, dry location, beans keep for up to one year, and white rice maintains its quality for up to three years. However, when stored in extra-secure packaging and under ideal storage conditions, both have the potential to be longer than five years. Stocking up on non-perishable food is vital when preparing for natural disasters.
Nut Butters-If you don’t have family members with nut allergies, nut butter provides a great shelf-stable and calorie-dense food option to stock up on. Alternatives like peanut, almond, cashew, and even sunflower butter take our favorite protein-laden nuts and seeds and grind them into delicious smoothness. Powdered peanut butter, specially designed for long-term storage, can last up to 10 years. Almond butter is also an excellent alternative to peanuts. According to the USDA, you can keep peanut butter or almond butter in proper storage for six to nine months (unopened) and two to three months (opened).
Infection Protection-Though transmission by touch appears to be the least likely way to spread most viruses; if you live with people who work outside the home, diluted bleach is handy to have for wiping down commonly shared areas such as doorknobs, handles, kitchen counters, bathroom fixtures and surfaces of medical equipment. In addition, masks (for everyone ages two and above), soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes and gloves are all great supplies to keep your surroundings clean and safe for your family. This is especially critical if you have a child with cancer living in the home. If a national shortage or natural disaster does happen, you’ll want to protect your already sick child from any other potentially harmful infections.
Laundry detergent-Make sure you’re able to wash the personal items of a sick child as regularly as needed. They will likely have a favorite blanket or stuffed toy that has provided comfort throughout their cancer journey. The last thing you want is for them to have part with this because you can no longer keep it clean for them.
Toilet Paper-Who can forget the toilet paper crisis of 2020? To avoid future repeats of this scenario, it’s a good idea to keep extra TP on hand.
Toothpaste- Maintaining oral care throughout cancer treatment and beyond is crucial. Chemotherapy drugs can cause sores in the mouth and throat and dryness, irritation, or bleeding. Stocking up on items of personal hygiene that you use frequently makes the most sense, especially if it’s part of keeping your child with cancer healthy.
Body & Hair Cleansing and Moisturizing Items– Many patients experience changes to their skin, hair, and nails during and after cancer treatment. Your doctor probably recommended using gentle products for cleaning and moisturizing your child’s delicate skin. If there are specialty products you use, it’s an excellent time to stock up on these because they are the first to become low supply on shelves due to specific demand.
Extra Gas-Most people will have the luxury of staying housebound should a national lockdown happen. However, if you have a family member that is sick with cancer, getting to the doctor could be a life or death situation. Keeping some extra gas stored for emergencies may be a good idea if your car requires gas. To learn more about allowable gas quantities and how to store gas tanks properly, check out the Exon Mobil’s website for helpful tips and regulations.
Medications & Medical Supplies-Loading up on critical medicines and medical supplies is probably the most vital when preparing for natural disasters and during a national shortage of supplies. Likely, you’ve already experienced annoying delays in getting the medical essentials you needed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Even though it seems like supply chains for medical necessities are back in order, it’s still an excellent time to think bulk on the supplies you need to care for your child. Experts in disaster preparedness recommend a 30-day supply, if possible, or 90 days if your doctor and insurance provider (and your wallet) allow.

Home Preparation Tools

In addition to having the supplies your body needs to sustain long periods of supply shortages, there are essential items that every household should have in the case of disasters due to environmental changes. These items include, for example, flashlights, batteries, fire extinguishers, matches, etc. Chances are you already have these tucked away in your home. Now is the time to collect and find these items to ensure they are fully functioning and replace them as needed. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has created a concise, realistic, and easy-to-follow checklist. Click Here to build your home kit based on their recommendations and quantities, and learn how to take care of your bulk stashes properly.

Besides supply-chain setbacks due to public health issues, some specific delays and disasters can happen based on where you live geographically. For example, someone living in California may need to have their home equipped to deal with wildfires rather than large-scale flooding. It’s a good idea to understand the environmental issues plaguing your specific city so you can customize what you need to protect your home. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a statewide database to search past and present declared disasters. To search for natural disasters where you live, click here.

Understandably, preparing for natural disasters and shortages is probably the last thing you want to consider when caring for a family member with cancer. However, our political, financial, and environmental climate seems to be fluctuating unpredictably, and our most vulnerable citizens must be protected and taken care of in times of crisis. Think about collecting your reserves slow and small, but it’s an excellent idea to start somewhere. As always, Here To Serve is here to help provide and connect families to resources they may be unable to find. Please contact us if you or someone you know needs assistance as they navigate a cancer diagnosis. We’ll do our very best to get you the help you need! Please visit Here To Serves website and click the Get Help button to contact us. From our team at Here To Serve, we wish you a safe season filled with fabulous summer memories!

By Sameera Rangwala, M.S., M.P.H

About the Author

Sameera Rangwala spent 15 years in the biotechnology industry. As a scientist and research professional, she uses her skills to blog and provides words of support to the cancer community.

All information on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a medical provider in your particular area of need before making significant changes in your medical decisions or lifestyle. Image attributes: rawpixel.com

Can Music Help Heal Cancer Patients?

Our Universal Language

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain” – Bob Marley.

Music is our universal language and one of the most powerful to evoke change and emotion. Can music help in the journey to heal cancer patients? We explore the role of music therapy in the healing and coping journey. Unfortunately, families enduring the cancer journey have many stressors from managing this terrible disease. Music therapy can be considered an add-on therapy to help relieve patients from the anxiety and stress that comes with intense cancer treatments and procedures. This, in turn, leads to physical benefits, including better pain management.

A brief history

Music therapy is by no means a new concept. Its roots go as far back as Ancient Greece, where philosophers like Aristotle and Pythagoras preached the healing power of music. It’s also been recorded in the Bible and other ancient primitive and native cultures. Music has been vital to humanity throughout history. Even coined as “the soul’s medicine,” it’s no doubt that music has a powerful effect on us.

But does it have healing powers?

Yes. In a review of 400 research papers in the neurochemistry of music, studies have shown several positive physical and mental outcomes from music therapy:

Listening to music is more effective than prescription drugs in reducing anxiety before surgery. Another study supports the same effects for post-surgery, in addition to reducing post-operative pain
Music increases immunoglobulin A, an antibody that helps attack foreign germs and bacteria
Music decreases cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, and can lower blood pressure

Types of music therapy

There are multiple forms of music therapy, including listening and playing music, singing, moving/dancing to music, and even analyzing music through visions and talking about the meaning of songs. It comes in all sorts of shapes and forms. Typically, a music therapist will work directly with patients, but you don’t always need formal therapy to get the therapeutic benefits of music. Bringing more music into the home can be an easy step that you can begin today. If you don’t know where to start, here’s a playlist for those who have fought or are still fighting cancer.

Providing hope and harmony

There is still so much to discover in the field of music therapy. Although researchers have uncovered some of the explanations behind music’s clinical benefits, there is more and more research being done around the world on how to optimize music therapy further to promote healing.

Photo credit: Children’s National Hospital

Here to Serve

At Here to Serve, we can help bring music therapy to families going through the cancer journey. Our resource referral service can help connect families with musical therapists in their area. Music therapy is one of the many complimentary services that can help throughout the cancer journey. Our resource referrals can also assist families in finding mental health resources, financial services, transportation, lodging, organizational assistance, spiritual support, and more. Our resource referrals are only one of the many services we offer families going through cancer. If you or someone you know can benefit from our services, sign up to get help!

By Emily Rogalin

All information on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a medical provider in your particular area of need before making significant changes in your medical decisions or lifestyle.

Summer Fun Even When You’re Not Feeling Well

Summer Fun Even When You're Not Feeling Well

Activities with Improved Psychological Effects

School has ended, and summer vacation has officially started. Summer break usually means sports camps, sleepovers, and pool days in the hot sun for many grade school children. However, this can be a tough season for a child with cancer because they may feel the FOMO (fear of missing out) because they can’t participate in the usual summer activities their friends are enjoying. Still, it’s absolutely understandable that boredom can set in quickly when kids are sick and really need to rest! Between the necessary trips to the hospital and time to rest, it may feel like there is no window for summer fun. Many parents look for activities that keep their child busy and utilize skills that the child already has. While practicing specific skill-sets is important, brain growth happens more with free play and thinking than with any other activity, especially during the lower school years. Therefore allowing a child to engage in daily, safe, adult-supervised free time can encourage the development of creative skills, resulting in better brain function. Better brain function can strengthen your child’s ability to cope with changes they will face physically during their cancer journey.

With proper planning, summer activities can help build a child’s self-esteem and autonomy. We’ve found some great activities that will keep kids occupied and take part in summer fun that meets their specific needs. Here are our picks for summer activities that are gentle on the body, can improve psychological well-being, help build social and psychological learning skills, and are just plain FUN!!

Summer Fun At Home!

Documentary Movies
- Summer is a great time to make a goal or list of new people, places, or things your child wants to learn about. Have your child pick 2-3 topics that they are curious about, and at the end of the summer, have them create a short report or presentation to show you what they learned. This can be a significant source of “brain food” while still being happily engaged in a new concept. Take advantage of the plethora of documentaries available on streaming channels like NetFlix, Hulu, Disney+, or YouTube!
Summer Reading Program
- Summer reading is critical for helping kids maintain learning while school is out and fostering social-emotional development, discovering the joy of stories, and elevating the importance of lifelong learning. Call or visit your local library to find out if they offer a summer reading program. Many times libraries will offer prizes and incentives for the number of books read over summer break! Alternatively, there are many online summer reading programs that can help your child choose books and track their progress. Here are a few great resources:
  - Scholastic Home Base-From April 26 through September 3, visit the Scholastic summer zone for stories, games, and community. Keep track of your books. Read e-books. Meet favorite characters and authors. Print reading achievement reports.https://www.scholastic.com/site/summer-reading.html

Barnes and Noble-Download and print a Reading Journal. Then, read eight books and record the titles in the printed journal. Once you’ve read the 8 books, take your journal to your local Barnes and Noble to get a free book. It couldn’t be easier. You can also find a printable parent’s guide with tips and fun literacy activities.https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/summer-reading/_/N-2m39

Half-Price Books Feed Your Brain-Read for at least 15 minutes each day. Download their free reading log to record your minutes. Once you’ve read 300 minutes, you can turn your completed log into your local HPB store and earn $5 Half-Price Books Bucks. You can also find tips and printable book lists. https://b.halfpricebooks.com/summer-reading/

Journal It
- This might seem old fashion to your child, but journaling has been touted as a great coping tool, providing journal-keepers with a place to dump and puzzle through emotions and grapple with life turned upside down by cancer. The healing power of journaling has long been tapped by people affected by cancer, with many reliable studies supporting promises of improved emotional and even physical health. Although there are many ways of doing it, writing about events, people, and things you’re grateful for appears good for the mind, heart, and soul. And it can be as simple as writing a list at the end of the day of three things you are grateful for that day. Here are some great tools that can make this a rewarding summer activity.
  - Digital Journals that are secure and free to create!
  - The Paper and Pen Way!
  - Cards
    - Simple card games are a great way to keep kids occupied when you need just a short activity. Some good ole’ card games you might have played as a child still provide hours of fun and provide a respite from the digital world. Most child psychology experts agree that memory games, such as playing cards, build thinking skills, concentration, attention, and persistence. Check out some of the classics here. For older kids, let them explore some card tricks on YouTube and see if they can fool you!

Chess
- Summer is the perfect time to learn a new board game or master one you might already know. Chess is at the top of our list for so many reasons! There are many benefits to playing chess, for both adults and children alike. The majority of these benefits deal with developing and improving cognitive brain functions, including problem-solving, creative thinking, strategic planning, pattern recognition, and memorization skills. Also, it helps to potentially raise IQ levels while teaching sportsmanship and building self-confidence at the same time. Not to mention, it is so much fun to play! You can find many different styles of chess sets on Amazon that come with instructions on how to play. If you can’t play in person there are some wonderful online resources available to get your chess on! Check these out:
  - ChessKids: https://www.chesskid.com/
  - KidChess: https://www.kidchess.com/play-chess/
  - com: https://www.chess.com/l/chess-online-for-kids

Summer Fun Away from Home!

Summer camps and family programs are offered to children and teens fighting cancer around the country. Camps allow children to spend time in a supportive, nurturing environment while allowing them to bond with their peers. Below is a list of local and national camps designed to serve children with cancer and their families. Many centers offer full-time care for children with special needs, and some have doctors and nurses on staff to provide medical care to campers when necessary. If you consider attending a local or distant camp or retreat, talk with your healthcare providers first to ensure it’s the best suited for your family.

Here are a few vetted ones that are open for enrollment now!

Camp Carefree in North Carolina offers a free, 1-week camping experience to children ages 6 to 16 with chronic illnesses, including cancer. They also run camps for siblings of chronically ill children and a week for children with a sick parent. http://www.campcarefree.org/
Camp Kesem offers free summer camps for children with a parent who has cancer. The camps are held on college campuses throughout the United States. Each of the camps is organized and operated by a group of student leaders.https://www.kesem.org/programs-services/camp-kesem
Camp Koru helps young adult survivors heal and overcome their fears through outdoor experiences. https://www.projectkoru.org/camp-koru
Camp Mak-A-Dream in Montana is a medically supervised, cost-free camp for children, teens, and young adults with cancer. Camp Mak-A-Dream also offers a camp for siblings who have a brother or sister with cancer and hosts retreats for adults with cancer.https://www.campdream.org/camps-programs/
The Lighthouse Family Retreat is a family retreat for children with cancer and their families in North Carolina and Florida. The program offers fun, family-centered activities to help participants “feel like a family” again. Some highlights of the program are family-centered beach games, arts and crafts, parent support groups, and evening activities that include a special night out for the parents.https://www.lighthousefamilyretreat.org/attend-a-retreat

*A complete list of camps and programs can be found on the Cancer.net website: https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/children/camps-and-retreats-families-and-children-affected-cancer

Need More Support for the Summer? Contact Us!

If you are a family with a child newly diagnosed with cancer, or if you know of a family who finds themselves in this challenging situation, please contact Here to Serve. Our team is ready to help families navigate this challenging new world in light of a childhood cancer diagnosis and provide support in many different ways. Please click on the Get Help button from our homepage. Our team at Here to Serve wishes you a wonderful summer season filled with new adventures and lasting memories!

By Sameera Rangwala, M.S., M.P.H

About the Author

Sameera Rangwala spent 15 years in the biotechnology industry. As a scientist and research professional, she uses her skills to blog and provides words of support to the cancer community.

All information on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a medical provider in your particular area of need before making significant changes in your medical decisions or lifestyle.

How Women’s Health Month Suggestions Help Cancer Caregivers?

How Women's Health Month Suggestions Help Cancer Caregivers?

Sharing Ideas!

National Women’s Health Month observance is led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office every May. Many ideas shared in May help women care for themselves to avoid serious illnesses. These ideas can also be implemented to help cancer caregivers. Here are some of the essential suggestions women should consider:

Schedule primary care appointments annually
Schedule your annual preventative care appointments such as Pap smears, mammograms, bone density screening, cholesterol etc. Visit a board-certified primary care physician to ensure you receive all medical tests and vaccines.
Make changes to your diet
Nourish your body by changing to or sticking to a healthy balanced diet with foods full of nutrients. Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. Consider a Paleo diet limiting the intake of carbohydrates and dairy. Fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients such as Vitamin A, C, E, magnesium, zinc, phosphorous, and folic acid. Folic acid may reduce blood levels of homocysteine, a substance that is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. It is recommended that women consume up to 400mgs of folic acid daily. Fruits and vegetables are also a good source of essential minerals and fibers. For a healthier diet, reduce your intake of foods with trans fats such as fried foods or foods with saturated fats.
Get active
Take breaks throughout your daily activities and include a 15-30 minute walk. This improves cardiovascular health and helps lower the risk of lifestyle diseases such as hypertension. Getting exercise has also stabilizes blood sugar and regulates insulin levels in your body which cuts down the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Getting active can also sharpen your thinking, learning, and judgment skills.
Practice self-care
Self-care is “a multidimensional, multifaceted process of purposeful engagement in strategies that promote healthy functioning and enhance well-being.” Self-care is a conscious act performed by individuals to boost their emotional, mental and physical health.
Don’t get lazy with your self-care, and do not underestimate its advantages. Self-care can take many forms, but it is the simple act of connecting with yourself and pampering yourself through small activities that make you feel good and whole.
Try to make time to unwind from your daily obligations and check in with friends, family, and loved ones. And keep an eye out for sudden mood changes.
Develop good sleeping habits
1 in 3 adults does not regularly get the recommended amount of sleep they need to protect their health. An estimated 50 to 70 million Americans suffer from a sleeping disorder. Sleep deficiency can easily lead to depression and heart disease. Sleep hygiene would go a long way to helping your sleeping habits. Begin by scheduling and sticking to a certain time for sleep. Create an easy routine to go along with it; for example, take a shower before bed and remove all electronics such as phones or TVs from your bedroom.
Find healthy ways to manage stress
Emotional and mental stress exist in almost everybody’s life. Unfortunately, stress can take a physical toll on your body. Prolonged stress can lead to anxiety disorders, burnout, and even hypertension. Finding the right way to cope with stress can make for a better, more peaceful living experience. Ways to cope with stress can be mediation, yoga, or reading a good book.
You may also find peace when you spend a few minutes in nature or take a walk. It is crucial to find an activity that keeps you grounded and allows you to relax fully.
Find communities of people in similar situations for comfort and support, whether physically or online.

For cancer caregivers, Here to Serve is an excellent way to obtain support for you and your family, allowing you the time to meet a wide range of needs, medically and socially. If you or someone you know is a family with children recently diagnosed with cancer, GET HELP from Here to Serve so you can have the time to take care of your sick loved one and yourself.

By Rhoda Naman

All information on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a medical provider in your particular area of need before making significant changes in your medical decisions or lifestyle.

Celebrating Dads with a Child Battling Cancer on Father’s Day

Celebrating Dads with a Child Battling Cancer on Father's Day

Sunday, June 19

Cancer dad. It’s a title that no one wants or knows what to do with. But, with Fathers Day just around the corner on June 19th, it’s time to recognize and uplift these dads, who are often unsung heroes for families enduring pediatric cancer. In this blog we provide some ideas on celebrating dads with a child battling cancer. While moms usually take on most of the caregiving responsibility, dads are often left with caregiving on top of working to provide for basic living and healthcare expenses. For up to 92% of affected parents, financial distress begins within six months of diagnosis and continues throughout the cancer journey.

The Unseen Struggles

Studies show that the stress of adequately providing for their family can lead dads to embarrassment and humiliation, fear, persistent thoughts and anxiety about money, reduced joy, feeling like they don’t deserve to express their needs, and feeling vulnerable to repeated financial stressors.

It’s known that societal and cultural pressures often lead men to limit showing their emotions and asking for help. Dads often hide away their hurt or do it in private where no one will see it. They feel like they’re just holding on and doing the best they can most of the time. There’s so much hidden beneath the surface for all of us, but it is tenfold for cancer dads.

The Unseen Sacrifices

With the pressure to provide, dads are doing whatever it takes to ensure that their child can get care. They put off their own health, reallocate savings from their retirement and children’s education, adjust careers, sell personal items, and work more. These are just to name a few of the financial sacrifices they make.

Seeing and Celebrating Cancer Dads

Father’s Day can come with a range of emotions for dads. They can experience everything from gratitude to love to anger–and all are entirely valid. They didn’t get the easiest hand when it comes to being a dad and having to uphold a heroic level of fatherhood. So here are a few encouraging ways to celebrate him this Father’s Day:

Share the love. Send a hand-written letter or text to help dad feel loved on Father’s Day. Going beyond the “Happy Father’s Day, hope you have a great day” generics can really go a long way and help dad feel loved and appreciated. You can capture things you admire about him, recount a cherished memory, or write about the ways he is an amazing father.
Help them reflect. With so much worry about tomorrow, it may be difficult for dads to focus on the present moment or be proud of the past. Help shine a light on their strength and encourage them to reflect on all they’ve done to get to today.
Give him the gift of one of his old hobbies. Cancer dads often give up their hobbies or activities because their time is taken up by work and caregiving. What used to bring him joy that he no longer does? Maybe it’s an afternoon on a golf course, going for a hike, or maybe it’s just grabbing a beer at his favorite local spot.
Have the kids create something for him. Normalcy is a coveted experience for families going through the cancer journey. Something as simple as a homemade father’s day card or drawing could the small thing that makes his day.
Give him the gift of time. It may be dad simply needs time to himself, to rest, and possibly have his favorite meal or BBQ. Have the children join in and serve him or even help cook the meal if they are old enough to help.
Dad’s have a legacy, even new dads. Have the children make a shadow box and fill it with mementos, photos of great memories, including his dad and grandfather. Add meaningful things, maybe a shell from a beach you visited with him or a rock you painted of something that has meaning between your dad and you. Give him some nostalgia.
Makeover a children’s book. Find a children’s book with pictures but not many words. Use the pictures to share a story that brings back a memory of you and your dad. Handwrite your memory on that page. Tell him how important he is to you and what you have learned from him.

Helping Dads at Here to serve

Here to Serve helps lift the burden for dads with children battling cancer offering wraparound services. Here to Serve offers one place to go for physical, financial, emotional help and resources, so there’s less to worry about. In addition to providing financial assistance, Here to Serve can help alleviate daily tasks like errands, childcare, meals, yard work, and more. Families can also receive extra support from a Family Care Coordinator and receive additional resource referrals. If you or someone you know is battling cancer while raising children or has a child battling cancer tell them there is organized and life-saving help. They only need to reach out to Here to Serve and GET HELP!

We know that time is precious. Here to Serve strives to give more of it back to dads so they can have more time with the things that matter most–family.

Happy Father’s Day to all of the amazing dads out there going through this journey. We’re here for you.

By Emily Rogalin

All information on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a medical provider in your particular area of need before making significant changes in your medical decisions or lifestyle.

You Are a Cancer Survivor…Now What?

National Cancer Survivors Day - June 5, 2022

“You are BRAVER than you believe,
STRONGER than you seem, SMARTER than
you think, and twice as BEAUTIFUL than you
ever imagined”

You Made It!

It’s incredible to think that we’ve lived through an aggressive mutating virus that started a global pandemic in the past few years, wars exposing old wounds between countries, obscure weather conditions due to climate change, and gas price sticker shock mocking us every time we fill up. But, guess what you made through…some while taking on the challenging and stressful journey of pediatric cancer, you SURVIVED! Today, Here to Serve celebrates those who fought the good fight and survived their battle with cancer, especially the families we served. Harper, in the photo to the left, is a pediatric cancer survivor! At ten months old, she battled Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) M7 Mutation. She is a cancer survivor. Now she is living life and enjoying the three brothers who have since joined her growing family! We celebrate her and the many children who have survived cancer and live remarkable lives.

Take Your Time

Survivorship doesn’t just mean you magical snap back into your family’s pre-cancer diagnosis routine and life. There are significant aftermath emotions, often long-term side effects from treatment, and constant monitoring for years to ensure NED (no evidence of disease). It’s understandable that though you want to be grateful that you and your child have pulled through, you still can’t be wholly excited and ready to celebrate life after cancer. There are times when “scanxiety” takes hold. Taking the time to heal and getting organized after cancer can make all the difference in your transition. You may not have the time to ponder the future while trying to survive. Check out some of these essentials that you’ll want to list out and think about a current and updated plan for:

Follow-up Cancer Care
Health Insurance Coverage after completing treatment
Life Insurance Coverage
For parents and young adults searching for a job that will suit any new physical limitations.
Sorting out pending medical bills. Creating a simple list or spreadsheet can make all the difference when you’re trying to organize what payments still need to be closed out from diagnosis to end-term treatment. It may be helpful to keep these separate from after-cancer care bills.
Understanding your family’s current mental health by speaking with a therapist. You might have elements of post-traumatic stress that could hinder your survivorship. Therapy is an integral part of healing from the ordeal of cancer.
Understanding and coping with a changed physical body. Cancer survivors will likely be more aware of body shape changes, aches, and pains. It’s important to notice them and remind them that these are all physical alterations, but the most complex internal fight they survived was the best gift their body could give them. Surviving cancer is a tremendous accomplishment, and many who battle the disease are not so lucky.
Find a support group specifically created for children and/or young survivors. Many cancer survivors find support groups to be very beneficial. Having other pediatric cancer survivors to talk to before getting back to the everyday routines of school, rekindling old friendships, or getting back to activities they once loved will make transitioning forward easier.
Educate yourself on the latent side effects that might come over time from aggressive chemotherapy treatments, and know what signs to look for. Living a healthy lifestyle can counteract possible long-term side effects.

Our Cancer Survivor Story: Meet Seth!

During a seemingly ordinary summer break in 2017, filled with plans for sunny beach days, bike ride adventures, splashing in the pool, and making memories at summer camp, Seth’s family noticed something a little odd after he accidentally stepped on a Lego. Seth quickly developed a high fever and a decline in his physical energy while recovering from the sprain caused by the pesky toy piece. His parents intuitively decided to take him for further blood tests, which initially came out normal. After a few weeks of summer fun, Seth came down with yet another intense fever, but this one was different. Seth was not eating, his body was starting to look very weak, he was pale, and his usually playful eyes were dark and sunken.

Another emergency trip to the doctor and more blood tests revealed that 6-year-old Seth had been diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia called Philadelphia Chromosome Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia ( Ph+ ALL). Seth was put into the High-Risk category, which meant more aggressive chemotherapy. At the time of diagnosis, Seth’s doctors informed his family that the success rate was not as high, and in the worst-case scenario, it may require a bone-marrow transplant. By December 2020, after a long journey of traditional therapies and experimental phase medications, Seth was officially cancer-free! However, like every cancer survivor, he suffered from long-term side effects. In March 2021, Seth was hospitalized due to his battle with large kidney stones that developed because of certain medications during his cancer treatment. Seth has been concurring post-cancer issues like a champ, a true fighter!

He is a jubilant, adventurous, and intelligent cancer survivor who is ready and hopeful to live his life to the fullest. The relentless efforts of a loving family and support groups played a significant role in the well-being of him and his family. It truly takes a village to pull through pediatric cancer, and it can make a massive impact on the outcome of survivorship. Seth recently celebrated his 11th Birthday this past April. Please join us in wishing him a healthy and happy new year ahead!

If you would like to learn more about Seth and follow his story of overcoming a rare cancer diagnosis, please check out his group Facebook page!

Here to Serve

Many children and young adults that HereTo Serve support survive their cancer diagnosis. You can also support our efforts to help other children like Harper and Seth battle pediatric cancers on Amazon Smile. We are on the cancer journey with them to ease the burden of daily life as they concentrate their energy on treatment and recovery. We understand that not every cancer battle will end in survival, but our hope is for survival to live, grow and celebrate life. If you know a family with a child recently diagnosed with cancer, Here to Serve can make a huge difference. Many families have said they don’t know how they could have made it through without the support of Here to Serve and their program and ability to galvanize and organize support. Here to Serve provides support that hospitals and the healthcare system cannot. Contact Here To Serve by clicking on the Get Help button here or on our website. We wish all our current and future cancer families a very Happy Cancer Survivors Day filled with an abundance of hope, love, and a renewed joy in life!

By Sameera Rangwala, M.S., M.P.H

About the Author

Sameera Rangwala spent 15 years in the biotechnology industry. As a scientist and research professional, she uses her skills to blog and provides words of support to the cancer community.

All information on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a medical provider in your particular area of need before making significant changes in your medical decisions or lifestyle.

How Does Cancer Affect Mental Health for Cancer Patients?

Cancer DOES Affect Mental Health

Before and After Treatment

Mental Health Issues in Cancer Patients

Does Cancer Cause Mental Health Issues?

A cancer diagnosis is life-changing and can often lead to patients and caregivers experiencing mental health issues.

How Many Cancer Patients Suffer from Mental Illness?

It is estimated that 8-24% of cancer patients suffer from mental illness related to their diagnosis and treatment. However, these statistics are likely artificially low because some mental health issues like depression mimic cancer symptoms. According to a study out of the UK, 1/3 of cancer patients experience a mental health concern during or after treatment. Research does show that youths and young adults are at a greater risk of mental health issues than adults with a cancer diagnosis.

Families and caregivers can also experience mental health issues after cancer treatment.

How Does Cancer Affect You Emotionally?

Research shows that for both caregivers and patients, mental health issues can lead to:

Inability to focus on treatment decisions significantly slows down the treatment process
Failure to make follow up appointments
Inconsistency with medication

Pediatric cancer challenging and traumatic for patients and their families. Children undergoing cancer treatment are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues, including distress, depression, and anxiety.

Emotional Distress

What is Emotional Distress?

Emotional distress is described as an unpleasant emotion, thought, and feeling. Distress affects how one might think, feel and act.

It is normal for both patients and caregivers to experience distress after a cancer diagnosis, however, when it becomes debilitating is when there is a reason for concern.

Emotional Distress Symptoms

The symptoms of severe distress are:

Thinking about cancer/death all the time
Feeling overwhelmed to a point of panic
Being excessively irritable and angry
Feeling hopeless
Having trouble sleeping
Questioning belief and faith that once gave you comfort
Having trouble concentrating

Depression

What is Depression?

Depression is mild or severe sadness over a period of time. Research shows that 1 in 4 people diagnosed with cancer experience depression after diagnosis.

Depression Symptoms

Here are some of the other signs to look for in both patients and families:

Never-ending hopelessness and sadness
Irregular sleep can either over-sleep or sleepless
Loss of interest in hobbies
Pervasive thoughts of death or suicide
Trouble focusing, concentrating, or making decisions

Anxiety

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is described as a feeling of dread, consistent worry, or being on edge. It is common for both cancer patients and their families to develop anxiety after a diagnosis.

What causes Anxiety?

After a cancer diagnosis, anxiety may be triggered by:

The fear of treatment and/or side effects of treatment
The fear of cancer spreading
Concern over the change in family/relationship dynamic
Fear of death

Types of Anxiety

There are two types of anxiety – acute anxiety, and chronic anxiety.

Acute Anxiety

Acute Anxiety Symptoms

Acute anxiety his is when one experiences short bursts of symptoms such as;

Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Feeling suffocated
Sweating or chills
Dizziness
Trembling
Abdominal pain

Chronic Anxiety

Chronic Anxiety Symptoms

Chronic anxiety often manifests in the following symptoms:

Muscle Tension
Difficulty breathing and focusing
Excessive worrying
Irritability
Fatigue

Coping with Pediatric Cancer

Coping with mental health issues is a critical aspect of pediatric cancer care. There are several strategies that patients and their families can employ to manage these challenges along their pediatric cancer journey.

Photo Credit: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Talk Therapy

Getting in touch with a board-certified psychologist and/or Psychiatrist will help you learn tools to improve coping skills, re-shape negative thoughts, and develop an efficient support system for all parties included.

Support Groups & Communities

Find people you can to relate to who have gone through mental health issues during cancer treatment. Seek out help from Here to Serve, a pediatric cancer nonprofit that assists with the journey at home. Like the popular adage goes, “It takes a village.” Seeking and building communities around the diagnosis (such as Here to Serve) will help alleviate a lot of pressure and allow you to find additional support for yourself and your family.

Resources like support groups can be therapeutic for a lot of patients and their families. Relating to others experiencing this traumatic experience can help people feel less alone and more understood in their pediatric cancer journey.

Medication

Should symptoms persist, contact a certified psychiatrist and get on the proper medication. This helps to reduce symptoms to allow you to function normally. It’s recommended that prescribed medication be used in conjunction with talk therapy and counseling for the best results.

Should you, your family or a friend need additional support at home after a cancer diagnosis, Here to Serve has many services and resources dedicated to helping you and your family during a cancer journey. Get Help at Here to Serve.

Learning from the World’s Centenarians

Learning from the World’s Centenarians

National Gratitude Month 2022

Find your Ikigai.

Loved Ones First.

Your Neighbors.

Some Sun.

Think like a Mountain Dweller.

Mediterranean Thanksgiving?

Need Holiday Support?

About the Author

A Calling and Passion

A Calling and Passion

National Caregivers Month 2022

Are you a caregiver that needs support?

About the Author

Emotional Wellness Month: How to Cope with Pediatric Cancer

Emotional Wellness Month 2023

The Power of Connection: Fighting Loneliness When Your Child Is in Treatment

Tips to Cure Loneliness

A Bonus HAPPY Story

Need Cancer Care Support?

About the Author

References

A Safe and Healthy Halloween 2022

A Safe and Healthy Halloween 2022

Keep calm, trick or treat, and carry on…

Halloween At Home

Top Rated Classic “Spooky” Flicks:

Frightfully Fit Treats!

Costumes on a Budget

Need More Support? Contact Us!

About the Author

National Critical Illness Awareness Month

National Critical Illness Awareness Month

Are you covered? ​

10/22/2023

How Does Critical Illness Insurance Work?

Should I get covered?

Types of Critical Illness Insurance

Simplified Issue: Individual or Group

Fully Underwritten: Individual or Group

Policy Rider

Need More Support To Find Medical Coverage? Contact Us!

About the Author

Dealing with Pain in Pediatric Cancer

New Methods of Management for Pediatric Cancer Pain

Virtual reality (VR) and Augmented reality (AR)

Pain Management for Children

Recent Research

Study 1

Study 2

Study 3

Resources for Caregivers

About the Author

References:

September to Remember- Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Revolutionizing the Diagnosis of Blood Cancers with AI

09/10/2023

How Can AI Help?

Current Research on AL

Need Cancer Support?

References:

About the Author

National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

A Time to Celebrate Progress and Fight for a Cure

09/03/2023

Major research institutions that are involved in the STAR Act:

How Can YOU Help This Month?

Need Cancer Support?

About the Author

Art Helps Cancer Patients’ Mental Health

Art Helps Cancer Patients’ Mental Health

A Form of Therapy

Art Improves Communication and Mental Health

How to Optimize an Art Therapy Session

Here to Serve Can Help

What About Me? Caring for Siblings of Children with Cancer

Are you covered?