HEALTH MATTERS
know how. We appreciate all the little things and cherish our family moments together."
Barnhart leads LLS's Information Resource Center, a team of social workers, nurses and health educators who provide blood cancer patients and caregivers with free personalized information and support tailored to their specific diagnosis and needs. Here's some ways Barnhart says parents can help their children cope with a sibling's cancer:
* Create an open and honest dialogue. Children are very savvy and will come to their own conclusions if they think they're not being told the truth about their sibling's diagnosis and treatment. If possible, introduce siblings to the treatment team to help them develop a better understanding of what their brother or sister is going through.
* Arrange for alone time. While this might be difficult to do in the midst of dealing with cancer, it's very important for parents to set aside time for a cancer patient's siblings. Even if it's just a short amount of time, it's something that well siblings can count on and look forward to.
* Encourage him/her to be helpful. When possible, involve siblings in the treatment and arrange for them to visit the hospital or clinic. They can feel helpful just by spending time with their brother or sister.
* Identify a safe person for children to talk to. The parents of a child with cancer are consumed with emotion and lots of time is likely spent with doctors and at treatment. Hospital and school social workers and psychologists may be able to
provide information about support programs for siblings of children with cancer. Parents should ask the school for a hall pass so that the children are able to leave class to talk to that person when needed.
* Provide consistent, fair discipline to all children. Even though it may be more difficult than ever, it's critical that parents try and be as consistent as possible, even when it comes to discipline.
Singh says these strategies have helped her family navigate the complicated and unpredictable childhood cancer journey. She is grateful for the support she received from LLS throughout King's road to survivorship and hopes more organizations will offer much needed resources and support for siblings dealing with childhood cancer.
LLS recently launched The LLS Children's Initiative, a $100 million comprehensive attack on children's cancer from every angle, from new research investment to advance novel therapies and bolster clinical trials, to enhanced services and support for children and their families, to renewed policy efforts.
"Our family and LLS share a common goal - to end cancer," says Singh.
Today, King, an aspiring model, has become an asset to his community in many ways and the entire Singh family spends much of their time advocating for patients and families in similar situations and spreading awareness about childhood cancer.