September is a special month in which the community's attention focuses on multi-faceted challenges related to childhood oncological diseases. Approximately 1,200 new cases of cancer in children are diagnosed annually in Poland.
When the disease is diagnosed, entire families are forced to change their lives overnight - regardless of long-term plans and dreams. The "Krwinka" Foundation, as a parent organization, organizes the social and civic campaign "RAK NA WSPAK: Ask, talk, support", aimed at increasing public awareness of childhood cancer, their early symptoms and taking specific actions that will help both young patients and as well as their families in the long fight for recovery.
Psychosocial support is an important need
A diagnosis of cancer in a child is a breakthrough moment that completely changes the lives of families. The foundation's twenty-eight years of operation show that in addition to reimbursement for treatment and rehabilitation, as well as social support, families need emotional and social support. Many people from close and distant surroundings would like to help, but they often lack courage, appropriate tools and knowledge because they have never encountered cancer before. The "CANCER NA WSPAK" campaign aims to draw attention to these needs and raise awareness that everyone can help. It is important to know how to do this.
HOW TO HELP CANCER FAMILIES?
The "CANCER NA WSPAK" campaign focuses on four key slogans that show how effective help can be provided. This indicates the diverse needs of families and, therefore, the problems they have to face from day to day.
- ASK what help the cancer family needs
Often, people who want to help do not know what specific support may be the most valuable. The Foundation encourages open conversations with families to find out what they really need in this difficult situation. Although long-term treatment is expensive, financial support is not always a key need for every family. It is worth asking and assuring them of your readiness to help. It may turn out that the most needed support will be dealing with official matters, temporary care for healthy siblings or shopping.
- TALK and be present in the life of the oncofamily
Supporting families with children suffering from cancer also means being present in their lives through conversations, listening and understanding. Conversation brings people together and gives a sense of community. Cancer families may feel isolated, not attending meetings with friends or extended family.
III. SUPPORT the oncofamily during separation
A child's cancer disease is often associated with long periods of separation during many months of hospitalization. "Krwinka" encourages you to support cancer families through telephone calls, meetings and organizing small surprises that will bring a smile. Even a small gesture can prove to be invaluable support in a difficult moment.
- WORK! Together we can defeat cancer
In fact, everyone - to the best of their abilities - can get involved in helping families in need of support. One of the ways addressed to adults is to sign a petition and support real actions that will help overcome cancer.
SIGN THE PETITION AND ACT WITH US!
The "Krwinka" Foundation encourages you to sign a petition addressed to the Mayor of Łódź, Hanna Zdanowska, in order to expand the public procurement catalog of the City of Łódź Office to include psychosocial support for families affected by child cancer. This is a step towards providing real support to those families who struggle with challenges on many levels every day.
As part of the initiative, two interviews will also be published, conducted by Jacek Jankowski, psychologist of the "Krwinka" Foundation. The first one will take place with an oncofamily that received great support during the intensive treatment of their daughter suffering from neuroblastoma. The second one will be attended by prof. Wojciech Młynarski, head of the Department of Pediatrics, Oncology and Hematology at the University Center for Pediatrics. M. Konopnicka at the CSK UM in Łódź, Elżbieta Budny, president of the "Krwinka" Foundation and Jolanta Czernicka-Siwecka, president of the ISKIERKA Foundation. The campaign will end with a citizens' meeting summarizing all activities. The project is implemented as part of the nationwide Golden Ribbon campaign.
I'M SIGNING THE PETITION NOW
