Cancer is the leading cause of death caused by disease in children under the age of 15.
Every year, approximately 9,000 children are diagnosed with cancer, and approximately 1,500 die as a result of the disease. However, each year, more and more children are survivors of cancer. More than 70 percent of children with cancer survive the disease. These children may experience medical, physical, psychological, cognitive, and neuropsychological effects.
The Psychological Impact on the Family/Caregivers
Family members of a child with cancer often suffer various forms of distress about the child’s illness. Parents report feelings of anxiety, depression, symptoms of PTSD, and distress related not only to the child with cancer but also to the adjustment of the child's siblings.
Siblings also report feeling anxious, stressed, overwhelmed, neglected, and guilty.
Treatment of cancer in children can take an extended time, weeks or months, in hospitals and clinics. Parents often must leave homes, families, and jobs to be with their children during this frightening and stressful time.
What Can We Do as Lions?
The districts of Colorado and Wyoming are teaming up to identify and promote programs that your clubs can run to support children with Childhood Cancer, their families, and facilities that provide a home away from home for all as they go through this terrible time. Below are some of the projects and programs that Lions of Colorado and Wyoming may decide to become involved in. Please take a few minutes to explore how you can help. We have tried to provide easy and fun options for you.
More details on three programs CLICK HERE
+ Pop tops for Ronald McDonald House
+ Cards for Kids - caring cards
+ Quilts for kids