One can never really know what itB次元官网网址檚 like to have a child undergoing treatment for cancer until it happens to you or a family member.
Two Greater Victoria families have become strong advocates for people in that boat, helping provide the supports needed in familiesB次元官网网址� day-to-day struggles with the realities that come with a childhood cancer diagnosis and treatment.
P.J. Fairfield-Carter, whose son Cole, now 11, is on the upswing after enduring treatment for medulablastoma B次元官网网址� a form of brain cancer B次元官网网址� knows well the rigors of this journey.
ThatB次元官网网址檚 why she joined fellow B次元官网网址榗ancer momB次元官网网址� Susan Kerr in forming the Island Kids Cancer Association last December, to help make life more bearable for families in crisis.
B次元官网网址淚 wonB次元官网网址檛 lie, there was a part of me that was like B次元官网网址� in a way I donB次元官网网址檛 want to do this because then youB次元官网网址檙e always thinking about (childhood cancer),B次元官网网址� Fairfield-Carter said, recalling her decision.
B次元官网网址淏ut at the same time, you know itB次元官网网址檚 making an impact and its something you can do to help.B次元官网网址�
The Saanich resident and her husband, Brian, were on hand at the Saunders Family Foundation charity golf tournament last week at the Cowichan Golf Club.
The former Colwood car dealership clan presented the association with a $1,000 cheque, one of various cash gifts presented to community groups on the night.
In combination with the Kids Run fundraiser that happened Sunday at Tillicum Centre, the influx of cash pushed the cancer support group a little closer to its 2017 fundraising goal of $115,000.
ThatB次元官网网址檚 how much organizers estimate it will take to fully fund the program, from coffee cards and bowling outings to those grocery cards perfect for families staying for weeks or months in Vancouver while their child is cared for at B.C. ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Hospital.
Not only that, the group is providing increased access to bereavement and other counselling for parents, a critical support for families whose worlds have been turned upside down.
While the grand gestures such as a big family trip are nice if they materialize, Fairfield-Carter said, helping families address the ongoing life challenges is what this organization is all about.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 just getting through that day to day, whether itB次元官网网址檚 emotional support or just practical, personal support, and I think thatB次元官网网址檚 what really matters to people when youB次元官网网址檙e really in it,B次元官网网址� she said.
The advocacy of people who have been through the experience is invaluable for families taking the journey for the first time, Brian said.
B次元官网网址淵ou spend all of your time going, B次元官网网址極K, what do I do next B次元官网网址次元官网网址� Part of it is youB次元官网网址檙e in shock and your brain isnB次元官网网址檛 really functioning, so just figuring out the simplest things B次元官网网址� having someone say, B次元官网网址榯his is what you need to do, these are the forms you need to fill out (is invaluable),B次元官网网址� he said, recalling his need to apply for EI benefits while he was off work caring for their older son.
Cancer treatment affects the whole family, he added, and gaining a sense of normalcy is sometimes the hardest thing to achieve.
Things like celebrating the birthday of a healthy sibling during that time, or having a special meal for Thanksgiving can be tricky to navigate, he said.
B次元官网网址淚 was thinking in retrospect how shocking it must be for kids at that age to see their parents struggling.B次元官网网址�
Dave Saunders, who worked with Kerr on the dealershipB次元官网网址檚 Comfy Kids program, which supplies a Subaru vehicle for families with a child undergoing treatment that need transportation, was thrilled the foundation was able to help.
B次元官网网址淭hese families and these kids, they fight, and if we can give them just a little bit of support, thatB次元官网网址檚 what weB次元官网网址檙e here to do,B次元官网网址� he said.
In his years working with area families, heB次元官网网址檚 learned of the often monumental financial struggles they face, with one or both parents needing to take time off work. ThatB次元官网网址檚 why the work of organizations like the Island Kids Cancer Association are so important, he added.
P.J. Fairfield-Carter appreciates the relationship Saunders has with the group. B次元官网网址淗eB次元官网网址檚 the one who helped us to think, B次元官网网址榶ou can do this,B次元官网网址� and gave us encouragement,B次元官网网址� she said, B次元官网网址渂ut also helped us realize there is community support out there, that thereB次元官网网址檚 connections and other people who do care.B次元官网网址�
Programs initiated by the association include physical literacy, family bowling sessions in Langford, 4Cats Arts days and the Angel Network Support Group for bereaved parents.
To find out more about the association, email Fairfield-Carter at chair.ikca@gmail.com
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