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 peer support 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

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:

  • Coping During the Holidays
  • Navigating Resources
  • Caregiver Burnout: Recharge and Reconnect
  • 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

Wed, February 5, 2025, 6:00 PM

Moving through Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders: Tips and Opportunities to Move More

Join both Amanda and Emma in this interactive session, where we will:
  • provide an overview of the evidence for moving more in pediatric cancer (and where evidence is available, blood disorders),
  • discuss how you can incorporate moving more into your child’s day (and as a bonus, maybe get a bit more movement yourself),
  • share current recommendations, available resources, and upcoming opportunities, and
  • engage in some gentle movement (that can be adapted to any activity-level). This session will blend hands-on experience, discussions, and evidence-based content. You can opt in or out of any aspect.
Amanda is an Assistant Professor at the University of the Fraser Valley and yoga instructor. Emma is a PhD Candidate and exercise professional at the University of Calgary. Both are passionate about developing and delivering evidence-based programs that help young people diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders move more.

 

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].

Peer Support
WCK Side by Side Text Example
WCK Side by Side Text Example
Qudrat Aujla profile photo

Hey! I'm Qudrat.

Want to learn more about our caregiver support programs? Reach out to Mental Health Resource Coordinator Qudrat Aujla at familysupport[at]wckfoundation.ca.

Supporters

Thank you for supporting our peer-to-peer programs.