In approximately 70% of cases of young patients, cancer can be cured. On the other hand, it not only devastates the organism, it also evokes a lot of emotions – for the child, parents, and healthy siblings. Overcoming cancer is only the first step on the return to normality. European research (Ch. Eiser, 2004) and Polish research (M. Samardakiewicz) show that there is a need for bio- and psychosocial support for children following oncology treatment. The lessons learned in the pilot program of 2019 confirm this. In Poland there is no systemic support for children who have undergone oncological treatment, and this places them at risk of isolation and social exclusion.
The project addresses the needs expressed by families of patients of child oncology wards. Following a period of treatment that may take as long as a few years, it is difficult to return to a normal way of functioning. The support provided for a family, and ensuring a child contact with people of their age group, means they have an equal chance of emotional and social development and to embrace a few life free of illness.
We organize 40 therapeutic and educational meetings (to activate children in the social, educational, psychomotor, and civil sense), 20 group support and one-on-one therapy sessions, camps and two weekend excursions, and a self-help meeting for families with children with cancer. We will conduct a national public campaign with the slogan I’m fine, I just had cancer.
Assistance will be provided for 24 former patients aged 7-13, their parents, a minimum of 25 people, and siblings, a minimum of 18 people, involved in the treatment process. A minimum of 50 people from families of patients undergoing treatment and other people connected with children with cancer will take part in the self-help meeting.