Yulit Gordon | Keeping hope alive in the midst of childhood cancer

“Childhood cancer does not discriminate. The only thing that is sure is that more children will be diagnosed each year.”

I was privileged to have been invited to be the guest speaker at the University Hospital of the West Indies’ annual Childhood Cancer Celebration of Life event held last Saturday at the Moon Palace Hotel in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

The event was sponsored by the Moon Palace Make a Wish Foundation, and 12 special little people, ages three to 13 years, along with their families, were granted their wish of a fun-filled weekend at the resort.

For these families, the paediatric ward at the University Hospital of the West Indies has been their home for the greater portion of the year. Depending on the severity of the diagnosis and the response to treatment, some of these children will be institutionalised for longer periods.

The greatest challenges facing these families are access to psychological support, income replacement as parents have to stay with their children for extended periods and the cost of drugs is prohibitive. This often leads to delayed or incomplete treatment, which significantly reduces the chances of survival. There is always the fear of relapse.

As with any life-threatening illness, childhood cancers interfere with the normal developmental milestones of patients.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the likelihood of surviving a diagnosis of childhood cancer depends on the country in which the child lives. The survival rate for children residing in high income countries exceeds 80 per cent; while the survival rate for children from low middle income countries falls below 30 per cent.

The reasons cited for these outcomes include delayed diagnosis, lack of access to specific therapies, abandonment of treatment and death from high toxicities relating to treatment. Treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. For some children with higher risk leukemias, high-dose chemotherapy may be given along with a stem cell transplant.

The following is an excerpt from my presentation:

TO THE SURVIVORS:

Each of you has faced a giant that many of us as adults cannot begin to imagine. Like David in the Bible, you fought the Goliath of cancer and you won! We are so proud of you! Your courage and strength are truly an inspiration to us all. You have demonstrated to us what it means to never give up! Because of your journey, you will have opportunities to make a difference in the lives of other children diagnosed with cancer.

You are now ambassadors for ‘Keeping Hope Alive’! Do you know who is an ambassador? An ambassador is an important person given a very important job. Your job will be to inspire other children going through treatment to not give up; to not be afraid; to listen to the doctors and nurses; to take their medication and to be strong.

TO THE PARENTS:

Your journey has been one of immense courage, unwavering hope, and boundless love. You have faced unimaginable challenges and yet, through it all, you have remained a pillar of strength for your children. Your resilience and dedication have not only helped your children overcome a tremendous battle but have also inspired the families and friends in your respective communities to remain committed and supportive.

Your stories will become a source of hope for other families navigating similar paths. By sharing your experiences, you offer comfort and encouragement to those who are still in the midst of their fight. Your strength is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light.

SUPPORT PAEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY TEAM

Dr Michelle Reece-Mills, paediatric oncologist/haematologist, and her team at the University Hospital of the West Indies are to be commended for the role they play in caring for these families challenged with childhood cancers. They operate in an environment with limited resources where finances are always an issue, and insufficient isolation facilities for children who are prone to infection.

I use this opportunity to make a personal appeal to institutions and families to support the efforts of the paediatric oncology team to reduce mortality rates of childhood cancers. You can support by donating to offset the cost of drugs, fund research initiatives, volunteer where possible to give the parents time to take care of themselves; and service groups looking for a project to fund, can contact Dr Reece-Mills at the University Hospital.

We never know when childhood cancer will knock on our own doors. Let us play our part to increase survival rates and gift families more time together.

Yulit Gordon is a Business Development Consultant & Wellness Coach. Email feedback to yulit.gordon1@gmail.com and columns@gleanerjm.com