How can we help cancer patients?

There is so much that the general public can do to provide assistance to cancer patients, by becoming actively involved in fund raising events, Christmas parties hosted for pediatric cancer patients, "Fun Days" aimed at raising funds to further cancer research, and so forth.

For further information, also contact CHOC (see their website) at www.choc.org

There are also those companies or private individuals who organise and/or sponsor events/days to create cancer awareness, which I think is a wonderful initiative. People gather together and provide a fun-filled day of activities for these little ones, who can then momentarily 'forget' their pain, treatments, hospital stays and doctors visits. Life feels normal for a little while, and there is no greater feeling than seeing a smile of appreciation on the face of an ill child.

There are so many children who suffer from some form of cancer, and it is a very trying time - both emotionally and physically - for the whole family. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, there is firstly an overwhelming feeling of shock and disbelief. When the reality of the diagnosis 'sets in', so to speak, there is the realisation that the family's life is about to change, alter course, and this can be a very stressful time on each family member. The worst part - which I refer to as emotional torment - is the question: "Will my child survive?"

As for me, I doubt whether I yet have the emotional strength to be in close contact with little ones who have been diagnosed with cancer, or any other life-threatening disease. Whenever I see an ill or physically challenged child anywhere, my heart breaks for them, knowing that just as I could do nothing but pray for my own little boy, I have nothing but prayer to offer them. Prayer is all we need, and with God anything is possible. Yet as human beings it is in our nature to want to be of physical help or consolation to another in need, and when we find that we cannot provide as much to bring about healing, we tend to feel powerless. We often wish that "there is something we could do to help", but aside from doing what is only humanly possible, we must pray, and always remember there is power in righteous prayer!!

Perhaps one day I will have the emotional strength and courage to be actively involved in working with terminally ill children, and if it be God's Will that my life should take on such a course, then it will come to pass. In the meantime I continue to pray for the families of children with cancer, and for the little ones themselves I pray for God's hand of protection and peace over them all.

A percentage of the sales generated from Keagan's book will be donated to cancer research. I want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have been diagnosed, and at this stage, besides prayer, it is all I have to offer. Hopefully one day scientists and/or doctors will have discovered or invented a cure to cancer, as there are still some cancers which cannot be cured.

I welcome your posts, so please feel free to contribute to others via Keagan's blog, in any way you feel is uplifting, informative, supportive, or helpful.

God bless you all.
Shireen