The Kids on the
Block Program on
Childhood Cancer is designed to educate children about childhood cancer
in general and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in
specific. There are four scripts in this program. The
first script, Ask
the Experts
defines cancer and addresses the issue of teasing. Movin'
Out
examines the issues of get well gifts and both practical and emotional
support. The script, Scared
of the Dark illustrates the
importance of being honest with a child about his/her condition.
And, I
Can't Be Your Nurse!, Diane shares some
of the details of her treatment, and she explains why continuing her
regular activities, like doing schoolwork, is so important to
her.
HOW YOU
CAN UTILIZE THIS PROGRAM...
Local agencies and hospitals
who serve children with cancer are the best avenues for performing this
topic. If you do not specifically serve this population, you may
wish to contact your local Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or American
Cancer Society to see about the need for educating children on
childhood cancer.
This topic may be performed in a variety of settings (ex:
hospitals, camps, support
groups) to help children with cancer explore the importance of
continuing regular
activities, explain some details of cancer treatment, encourage
children to talk about their feelings and ask questions, model positive
attitudes and behaviors and to demonstrate the importance of honesty
and openness about a life threatening illness.
This program may also
be
performed for children in an educational setting who may be
experiencing the reentry of a student or friend who has been diagnosed
with cancer. Through the puppet character's modeling of positive attitudes
and behaviors children can learn
the social and emotional
impact of childhood cancer, the importance of talking
honestly about their feelings, and to accept others'
differences.
SEPTEMBER
IS NATIONAL LEUKEMIA - LYMPHOMA AWARENESS MONTH
The Kids on the
Block Program on Childhood Cancer featuring Diane Delaney can be
utilized
throughout the year to promote awareness
of childhood cancer. Since Diane was diagnosed with cancer
her friends have had many
questions. Diane is glad to
share what she's learned about acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)--the
most common type of childhood cancer--with both her friends and
children in the audience. Like most children with ALL, Diane is
now in remission
but still requires ongoing medical support as a part of her daily
life.
The Kids on the
Block Program on Childhood Cancer was developed with the help of:
Georgetown University Lombardi Cancer
Center, Maryland Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Ronald McDonald
Children's Hospital - Loyola University Medical Center, The Children's
Hospital of Denver, The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation,
National Cancer Institute and the Walter Reed Army Medical
Center.
