When children are diagnosed with cancer, their nutrition may not seem like a top priority. It may be pushed aside while treatment, care, emotions, and even hospital bills take priority. But eating the right kinds of foods before, during, and after treatment have the potential to improve children’s treatment by making them feel better and stay stronger.
How one Make-A-Wish kid is using his wish to give back to the community that helped him.
Children may be born with the instinct to give and cooperate, but their willingness to commit to altruism may need their parents to solidify their behavior.
Most children in the United States grow up with sisters or brothers, a perpetual playmate, and oftentimes, their lifelong best friend. There is rarely a bond more intricately woven into one’s life than the relationship children develop with their siblings. This bond is especially important in times of sickness.
My first visit to meet with the staff of Make-A-Wish Metro New York was full of eye-opening “reallys?” and some special “aha” moments. One of those moments was that although it seems everyone knows Make-A-Wish, most people when asked will say that “Make-A-Wish provides a dying wish for children.”
When a child receives a wish, there is an army of effort behind each one. Wishes all start with referrals. Referrals can come from members of children’s medical teams, children’s families, or even the children themselves. Once each child qualifies for a wish, a team of volunteers takes over. Make-A-Wish volunteers make each wish possible, but there is a gap between how many eligible children are waiting for their wishes to be granted, and the number of volunteers available to make them happen.
Dogs are a man’s best friend but, for kids battling illness, relief from the stress of their situation may come on four legs. A study shows that furry friends may also improve a child’s chance of surviving cancer. An ongoing study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) demonstrates the positive influence animal assisted interventions can have on children undergoing cancer treatment. The research, which was conducted in multiple hospitals and rehabilitation facilities throughout America, was presented at the AAP National Conference and Exhibition in October 2015.
It’s not unlike the oft-heard safety announcement on an airplane - “firmly secure your oxygen mask before helping those around you.” The point of the instruction is that you will need to be healthy enough to help others in a time of crisis. But is this same approach even remotely possible when caring for a sick child?
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