Many a great musician have talked about the healing powers of music. For example, Prince described music as “healing.” He said that “Music holds things together.” And Elton John said, “Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours.” As can be seen by these comments, there’s no question, there are healing powers of music!
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Children going through cancer treatment have a lot to cope with. And integrative medicine may offer some relief. This practice includes natural, mind-body approaches to care for patients and their families. And while integrative medicine won’t replace standard medical treatment like radiation or chemotherapy, it can be used alongside it to help improve patients’ quality of life.
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Mikey Friedman, founder of Mikey’s Way Foundation used humor to help cope with his cancer. Moreover, he felt that by being uplifting, high spirited and humorous he was able to live life without fear. In fact, he once wrote, “By not being afraid, I was able to live.” The power of laughter has been shown to have positive effects on our mental and physical health. And Mikey specifically proved repeatedly that a chuckle or two can provide an important relief valve. The power of laughter is no joking matter as Mikey illustrated not only for himself but for all those around him.
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Childhood cancer remains the number one cause of death by disease among children in the United States. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This is a month to raise awareness about childhood cancer. Additionally, it’s a time to celebrate advances in childhood cancer treatment and survivorship care. Equally important, this is a time to honor kids with cancer and to remember the children we’ve lost. It is essential to raise awareness about childhood cancer because we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by this disease. Together we can work toward the golden goal when every child with cancer can live a long and healthy life.
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Mikey Friedman, founder of Mikey’s Way Foundation, often used the written word to express his innermost thoughts and philosophical perspectives. Such as, in his essay, “The Touch of a Soul Mate, the Thrill of the Hunt” he speaks about probability and how we might choose to live in a random world. For example, here he draws from his experience with randomness, suggesting that “Thou shalt not live in fear.”
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Let’s face it. There’s nothing worse than having a long wait time before seeing the doctor. And while it’s hard for just about everyone, it’s particularly hard on kids going through cancer treatment. Their calendars are already overcrowded with medical appointments. And more minutes at the doctor’s office waiting can only add to their angst. So, what can you do to make long wait times easier on both you and your child?
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Intravenous infusion pumps beep-beep-beeping, squeaky cart wheels rolling across polished floors, nursing call systems, pagers, hallway conversations, and roommates all make for a busy, noisy place. Anyone who has ever been hospitalized or sat at a patient’s bedside, knows hospitals are bustling with noise and interruptions. And while the delivery of care undeniably generates commotion, patients still need restful moments to retreat from the stimuli. After all, finding quiet in the hospital, finding distraction in this explosion of stimulation and sound is important for all patients.
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Michael Friedman peppered his High School Commencement speech with golden nuggets of wisdom. He told his fellow graduates that it was their generation’s turn to make a difference in the world. He shared his perspective about choices, describing how experiences dictate decisions. And that an arsenal of experiences drives the choices we make.
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The moment the doctor utters the words, “Your child has cancer” your world is turned upside down. And what follows after the initial shock is stress. It can be extremely stressful for both you and your child as you try to comprehend the disease, the medical jargon and what lies ahead. But, it’s important to recognize that this stress is a normal reaction to the situation. As a matter of fact, there are ways to help manage childhood cancer stress.
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As March arrives with the promise of warmer days and hope for the end of winter, it’s the ideal month to honor some very special healthcare professionals. March is both Child Life Month and Social Work Month, a time to recognize the amazing contributions these two professions make to the pediatric healthcare environment. Their presence and the programs they provide are essential during a child’s medical journey.
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