Caregiver Support
Caregiver Support
Support For Parents and caregivers of Children Experiencing Cancer & Blood Disorders
West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation is here to help your whole family, including you, as you care for your child through childhood cancer and blood disorders. No matter where you are on your journey, we want to provide you with support and resources to ease the load. We understand the importance and need for spaces that bring caregivers together. A fellow oncology/hematology parent can relate to your experience in a way that other friends and family might not be able to.
WCK runs online Caregiver Sessions for parents and caregivers once a month. In these sessions, you can learn more about different aspects of childhood cancer and blood disorders and how to manage their everyday impacts. The sessions provide space for caregivers to ask questions and engage in conversation.
If you prefer connecting one-on-one rather than in groups, WCK is also currently working on starting a program where we can connect you with a fellow caregiver who has been on the cancer/blood disorder journey. They know what it's like, they can loop you into the right places, and they deeply understand the survival mode you might be living in.
Caregiver Sessions
WCK runs online sessions for caregivers throughout the year on particular topics, offering a space to learn more, ask questions, and provide reassurance to each other. These sessions are usually held once a month on Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
Catch up on previous sessions
If you would like to watch the videos of previous sessions, email [email protected] and let us know! We can send you the video links. Previous topics have included:
- Storytelling: How to Share Your Child's Diagnosis and Journey
- Grief and Loss at Diagnosis and Beyond
- Self-care and Art Therapy Exercises
- Movement during Treatment and Beyond
- How to Survive Survival Mode
- Nutrition During Treatment and Beyond
- Ask Me Anything: Panel of Parents
Upcoming sessions
If you're interested in future sessions, check back here for information about what topics we will be discussing. You can also email us at [email protected].
Caregiver Burnout: Recharge and Reconnect
Wednesday, October 16th, 6:00 PM
One of the hidden costs of providing care for a child experiencing a cancer or blood disorder diagnosis is the impact it has on their caregivers - the parents and guardians who attend to so much more than just the hospital visits. Join Andrea Pastoor from Innova Therapy Inc. for a session on Caregiver Burnout, where she will share how to identify burnout within yourself, recognize the need to prioritize your own needs, and the importance of recharging and connecting to others to recover from caregiver burnout.
Hey! I'm Qudrat.
Want to learn more about our caregiver support programs? Reach out to Mental Health Resource Coordinator Qudrat Aujla at qudrat.aujla[at]wckfoundation.ca.
