Giving families affected by cancer some quality time

CHILDREN’S cancer charity Camp Quality hosted a Family Camp in Ballarat last week, giving affected families a much-needed break from the trauma of cancer.

Families enjoyed quality time together ice skating and visiting a local wildlife park.

“Every day two Australian families receive the devastating news that their child has cancer,” Camp Quality chief executive officer Deborah Thomas said. “A cancer diagnosis turns normal life upside down, beginning a relentless world of hospitals, debilitating treatments and sickness.

“Camp Quality programs give children, and their families, post hospital support by providing a break from cancer for the family to reconnect, have fun and become part of a likeminded community.

“Family feedback data shows that 99 per cent of parents say Family Camps result in a marked improvement in family connection and adaptability and for kids, over 80 per cent said they felt less anxious and more confident after camp.”

She said children with cancer missed out on so much.

“Our camps give kids a chance to just be kids again, make friends, rebuild relationships with their family and finally have a healthy dose of fun.”

Camp Quality mum Taryn’s son Jasper was just three years old when an X-ray and ultrasound found masses in his abdomen, and he was diagnosed with lymphoma.

After enduring months of intense treatment, Jasper is now a happy, healthy seven-year-old. He still has checkups twice a year but is taking on each day with enthusiasm and energy.

Jasper adores his younger brother, Odie and the family love attending Camp Quality events and connecting with other families who have been through similar experiences.

“The kids loved the painting activity,” Taryn said. “Jasper was so proud of his painting.

“We are going to put it up on our wall at home, so that every day we will see a little Camp Quality artwork.”

During the trip to the wildlife park on Sunday, Taryn spoke to a mum whose child is still on maintenance treatment and was able to reassure her that there were brighter days ahead.

“Being able to talk to the other mums and say ‘It’s going to get better’ is quite special,” she said.

Zilan’s daughter Ada was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma. Her prognosis was only 50 per cent.

She is now five years old and on maintenance treatment and will finish next year.

Ada and Zilan went on camp with Zilan’s parents, who have supported her through Ada’s treatment.

It was their first time visiting Ballarat, and their favourite activity was ice skating.

“This was our first Family Camp, and it was an invaluable experience for us to connect as a family and for me to see Ada connect with the other kids,” Zilan said.

“Ada was longing to see ice and snow because of Frozen.

“She has always wanted to try ice skating, but she has never had the chance until now.

“She often gets fatigued after 10 minutes of walking but skated for the whole time and was just having so much fun.”

In 2023, 12,340 children and 6705 families impacted by cancer were registered for Camp Quality programs and services.