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This is really the best part! The CLIMB program helps to normalize feelings of sadness,
anxiety, fear and anger of the child. It helps to support communication of these
complex feelings, increases the child's knowledge about cancer, and facilitates
communication between the parent and child.
Our program will provide children with:
- The support, tools and understanding to become more comfortable with the cancer
process they are witnessing on behalf of their parent.
- The ability to understand and cope with the dramatic changes they are witnessing
and experiencing in the home, including:
- The physical and emotional changes that their parents are experiencing;
- The shift in roles among parents that often occurs;
- The lost-time together due to doctor appointments, treatments, increased need for
rest.
- The ability to healthfully express their feelings and emotions, which may range
from fear, to anger to sadness.
- The ability to meet and share feelings with other children in similar situations,
and learn that "I'm not the only kid in school with a parent who has cancer."
Long term, we believe firmly that our program provides life-long benefits to children.
Not only are they learning to cope with the current stressor of having cancer in
the family, but they will be able to apply these coping skills to future stressful
events that they will encounter throughout their lives.
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