Hope for Families of Children with Cancer

Im sorry to tell you thisyour child has cancer. Each year in America those devastating words thrust parents of more than 12,000 children and adolescents into a frightening, dark tunneldramatically changing the dynamics of each family. Because childhood cancer attacks quickly and unexpectedly, parents reel, bombarded with information regarding treatments, tests, and decisionsas parents echo, Ive never felt so alone. I feel like Im in a fog. From the initial diagnosis and throughout the daunting journey the twelve chapters and resources in Hope for Families of Children with Cancer weave advice, support, and hope from fellow travelers and professionals who come alongside through encouraging short stories, refreshing helpful hints, and inspiring scriptures and prayers. Many weary parents pull apart as communication breaks downsometimes far apart. An added study, You-niquely Made helps family members appreciate different personalities and methods of coping. Overwhelmed families find comfort and courage as writers deal with the struggles parents face balancing needs of their child; family the set-aside spouses and the invisible onessiblings; and selfthe caregiverthe new normal of childhood cancer. Unfortunately 35 of cancer children die. Heartfelt stories include stages of grief, turning the corner, and battling unexpected waves of grief that continue.