Discussing Children's Understanding of Cancer: A Guide for Parents
For patients undergoing blood and marrow transplant treatment at Wilmot Cancer Institute, a comprehensive range of resources and support groups are available to enhance their care experience. Here's a closer look at some of the support options available:
## Additional Resources
1. **URMC Ambassadors**: Although not specifically mentioned for Wilmot Cancer Institute, the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) offers ambassadors who provide patient support services, including transportation and information assistance. These services can be beneficial for patients and their families.
2. **Pluta Integrative Oncology & Wellness Center**: Offering "Cooking for Wellness" classes, this centre welcomes all patients seen at any Wilmot Cancer Institute location. These classes focus on nutrition and wellness, promoting a healthy lifestyle during and after treatment.
3. **Cancer Wellness Connections**: This organization provides support for cancer patients in Rochester, focusing on mental and emotional well-being. They offer online resources and activities to help patients cope with treatment and maintain their sense of self.
## Support Groups
- **Cancer Survivorship Events**: Wilmot Cancer Institute participates in events like Survivors Night, celebrating cancer survivorship and offering a community of support for those who have undergone or are undergoing treatment.
- **General Support**: Although specific blood and marrow transplant support groups are not detailed in the available resources, Wilmot Cancer Institute's focus on compassionate care suggests that patients may have access to general support services or counseling through the institute or affiliated organizations.
For more specific information on support groups directly related to blood and marrow transplant treatment, it would be best to contact Wilmot Cancer Institute directly or explore their website for dedicated resources or partnerships with organizations specializing in transplant support.
Mike Ellis, LMSW, a social worker at Wilmot Cancer Institute, has been working with blood and marrow transplant patients since 1997. Ellis emphasizes the importance of involving children every step of the way in the cancer journey and encourages honesty when explaining a cancer diagnosis. He suggests explaining the type of cancer and the type of treatment, using terms from the doctor's office, and reinforcing the treatment plan and communicating how often treatment will occur. Ellis also encourages continuous updates to children as more information becomes available.
In addition to its resources and support for children and families dealing with cancer, Wilmot Cancer Institute is associated with Camp Good Days and the Cancer Support Community at Gilda's Club Rochester. The American Cancer Society is also a resource available at the Wilmot Cancer Institute.
These resources and support groups can play a crucial role in providing emotional, physical, and informational support to patients and their families during their cancer journey. By taking advantage of these offerings, patients can better navigate their treatment and find comfort in a supportive community.
- Mike Ellis, a social worker at Wilmot Cancer Institute, emphasizes the importance of involving children in every step of the cancer journey, often suggesting using terms from the doctor's office and maintaining honesty when explaining a cancer diagnosis.
- Additionally, with the focus on health and wellness, the Pluta Integrative Oncology & Wellness Center offers "Cooking for Wellness" classes, which are open to all patients seen at any Wilmot Cancer Institute location, promoting a healthy lifestyle during and after treatment.
- For parents navigating the challenging world of family health and parenting under the shadow of a medical condition like cancer, the Cancer Wellness Connections organization provides support for cancer patients, offering resources focused on mental and emotional well-being to help patients cope with treatment and maintain a sense of self.
