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About Childhood Leukemia Foundation

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For over 25 years, the Childhood Leukemia Foundation has changed the lives of those it has touched, including the life of Barbara Haramis, who created the foundation from a single act of kindness.  It was one day while Barbara was visiting her sister in medical school that she learned of a five-year-old boy who was receiving treatment for leukemia. She watched as he lay alone in his hospital bed, disheartened by his tragic circumstances. His parents had no choice but to continue working throughout the day to help afford the young boy’s medical expenses. The only visitors he regularly received were that of the medical staff who were in charge of his care. His only wish he had at the time was to have a Nintendo Gameboy to help him pass the time and provide a distraction from his circumstances.  While Barbara knew she couldn’t cure the boy’s cancer, she could bring him a bit of happiness, by purchasing the Nintendo Gameboy for him. It was at that moment that the idea for the Childhood Leu
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Supporting a Friend Whose Child Has Cancer

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When a friend's child receives a cancer diagnosis, the most natural thing in the world is to want to help in any way you can. It’s clear your friend is facing a nightmare, and you want to find a way to make things better for them, even if it’s just for a moment.  There is nothing like living through the harrowing journey of childhood cancer. When you’re on the outside, it can seem like a hopeless situation where there’s nothing you can do to help. But you should know that parents who face this awful news deeply value the support they receive from friends and family during such challenging times. There are plenty of ways in which you can offer support to friends whose children are suffering from cancer. Of course, every case is different, so please tailor these suggestions to your unique circumstances.  Extend practical support Offer to lend a hand with whatever they need logistics-wise, be it picking their kids up from school, grabbing groceries, or even doing a load of laundry. Be
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Nurturing your relationship with your spouse amidst the demands of parenting

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Amidst the challenging responsibilities of caring for a sick child and managing your other children, it's easy to lose sight of the essential connection between you and your spouse. Your relationship with your partner is deserving of time and attention, even during these trying times. Communication is key. Schedule moments to discuss critical matters, such as how to balance your time between your sick child and your other children, financial concerns, your emotional states, and your aspirations as parents. Engage in conversations about both significant and trivial aspects of your lives, such as humorous anecdotes from your children or your favorite TV shows. Make space for one another. The stress of tending to a sick child can strain a relationship. It's crucial to set aside time to be together and rekindle your connection. Openly share your feelings and thoughts; this will help maintain your bond and enable you to make joint decisions regarding your child's care. Find pri
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Coping with a Child’s Cancer

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It isn't easy dealing with a child's cancer diagnosis. It's a unique journey for everyone, and if you struggle to cope, you need to know you're not alone.  Here are some valuable tips for parents facing a child's cancer diagnosis:  Draw from past success: Use strategies or problem-solving techniques that have been effective for you in the past. This can help you feel like you're maintaining a sense of control. Acknowledge your emotions: Trying to suppress your feelings won't do any good. It’s best to embrace and acknowledge all of your feelings, giving them the time necessary before letting them go. Understand that there will be ups and downs, regardless of how well you've handled the situation before.  Accept help: It can be hard to ask someone for help. If you need help finding the strength, remember that parents who’ve been through this before not only know the struggle you’re facing better than anyone, they’re ready and available to offer emotional
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