By Cynthia Richardson My son, Eric, is a survivor of a brainstem tumor. I share my story to tell you that there is hope in battling this terrible disease. Eric, my first born son was diagnosed with a brainstem tumor at age two. At age twenty months he began losing weight, could not chew food …
by Lisa Genatossio, Mom to Vanessa, age 16 After the age of three, Vanessa really started slowing down in growth. Soon her younger sister caught up to her and then grew taller than her. They were wearing the same size clothes and for a while I was dressing them as if they were twins. Then …
Each day as we go about our daily routines, there are children suffering with all types of cancer. As we are enjoying our activities, they are going through chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and endless poking and probing of their little bodies. Chemotherapy brings their blood count down. Each week when they are not in the hospital …
Lazarus (1993) defines “coping as a process,” which encompasses “ongoing cognitive and behavioral efforts to manage specific demands that tax the resources of a person.” In relation to life-threatening illness, Taylor (1989) asserts, “coping that enhances and focuses on the positive is important for maintenance of health.” My diagnosis with two brain tumors thirteen years …
On September 14, 1999, when my four-year-old son Sean and I walked hand in hand through the doors of the Coffs Harbour Hospital, I had no inkling of what was about to happen. I suppose I should have known something was seriously wrong with Sean, given that I was a registered nurse and that he …
Our Emily went to her new home two years ago on January 11, 1999. She was 11-years-old and in 6th grade. Her birthday is February 6th and she would have been 14-years-old this year. Let me go back to the day she was born. It was a difficult delivery and we almost lost her then, …
by Katie Jennings Well to put it to you bluntly, it stinks. Some days are easier than others. I am constantly thinking about what we would be doing if she were still around. Causing trouble, giving our parents more gray hairs, and planning our weekend parties; I am sure that is what we would be …
