Free program helps kids and teens cope with parent’s cancer

Posted Feb 8, 2010

By Marta Cyperling

Drew age 10, with Tallulah, the therapy dog used in the Kids Can Cope Program. photo credit: Marta CyperlingWhen Drew was five years old, his mom was diagnosed with cancer. His parents were not sure how much they should tell him about the cancer and how to communicate to their son about the disease. 

That’s when his father Allan Ingelson discovered the Kids/Teens Can Cope Program an after-school education and support group designed for kids aged nine to 19 who are affected by a parent with cancer.

“At first my wife had reservations - she was not sure what to expect, however, but we’re very pleased with the outcome of the program and strongly recommend it” says Ingelson.   “After visiting the chemo and radiation departments last fall, our son (now age 10) has a much better idea as to what his mom has been doing at the medical center, and he appears to be more comfortable now as he has met other kids with parents who have cancer.”

Children in the program learn about cancer, and tour the different areas of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. They see first hand how their parent is being treated for the disease.   Most importantly the program gives children a chance to interact with others who are going through the same experience and discuss what’s on their mind.

“When a parent has cancer it affects the whole family,” says Laura Labelle a University of Calgary PhD Student and Intern in Clinical Psychology involved with the program.  “There are often changes in routines and parental support and because kids are good at sensing when people are upset it may cause them to act out or suffer from anxiety”.
 
Dr. John Robinson, a University of Calgary psychosocial oncologist who coordinates the program has seen many children benefit from attending the workshops.  “When I ask kids about their participation in the program, they tell me how much they are affected by their parents’ cancer. At home, though, they try their best not to let on that are worried because they don’t want to further burden their parents. They find the group is a safe place for them to talk and get their questions about cancer answered”.
 
The Calgary program has been running for over 20 years and the five-week session runs twice a year. The program is free, and runs at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre on Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.. The next session starts February 24, and the last day to register is February 18.

To register call (403)355-3207