Program for parents battling cancer

ON 29 October, Canteen will hold its major fundraising event, National Bandana Day, with the aim of raising money for programs like the new Parenting Through Illness program.

Canteen supports about 23,000 cancer patients every year, and funding provided by Metricon and fundraising events has allowed the organisation to launch the new program, designed for parents dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

One in three adult cancer patients have at least one child under the age of 26.

Kylie Jones, a team member with home builder Metricon in regional Victoria and has faced cancer three times, having to have difficult conversations with her children without the support of the program.

She said she didn’t receive enough support during her treatment.

“Battling cancer is the biggest challenge I’ve ever faced, and it was made so much harder by not having proper support for parenting during this time,” she said.

“The work that Canteen do is life changing, I know how important it is for parents currently going through this incredibly challenging set of circumstances, particularly as children have had to deal with so much change already during the COVID pandemic.”

The Parenting Through Illness program support families through webinars, discussing strategies and giving advice to parents dealing the significant illness.

“When a child is faced with a cancer diagnosis, be it their own, that of a sibling, or that of a parent, it is important that those in their support network know how to approach difficult discussions,” Ms Jones said.

Find out more about Canteen’s Bandana Day at bandannaday.org.au.