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We are thrilled to announce that the Tyler Foundation Counseling and Support Program was inaugurated at the National Center for Child Health and Development in Setagaya, Tokyo and Osaka City General Hospital in Osaka. Our clinical psychologists are working bedside with patients and their mothers and families, offering support and directed play with children. Many moms on the ward have said how grateful they are that there is finally someone to talk to in a relaxed and natural way. This is truly ground-breaking in Japan!
Message from Dr. Shigeko Saiki-Craighill
No parents will be spared the anger and shock when they are informed that their child is diagnosed with cancer. Most will ask “why my child?” Moreover, the difference between a normal life and life at the cancer ward can make the parents feel lost. From her personal experience at the National Center for Child Health and Development, Kim knows first-hand that these families with kids undergoing cancer treatment need some mental support. Although help may be available if one calls a support line or travels some distance, what is really necessary is the “close-knit” support structure on-site at the hospital. Hence, the birth of the Tyler Foundation Counseling and Support Project – making counselors available to those in need.
From my past research, I recognize that kids fighting cancer are like people running a long race. The road is undulating and there are many obstacles along the way. It can take a toll on the will at times as the goals seem far in the distance and unclear. Indeed, it is a long and hard race. However, with support, many children are able to continue the race. I think the parents’ role is to encourage their children to continue the race but it is not an easy task. First, one needs to recover from the shock, adopt a positive attitude and focus on taking care of the sick child. Naturally, these parents will research and absorb as much knowledge as they can, try to alleviate the child’s discomfort and begin to build a relationship with the medical team. Additionally, these parents will need to consider the well being of the other siblings. It is often the case that the more one tries to remain calm and brave, the more one becomes weaker. It is natural that one will question the next steps and want to discuss this with someone. By talking to a counselor and getting everything “off their chest,” it will allow these parents to become more balanced and able to be with their kids again. Talking with the counselor is free of charge and privacy will be treated with the strictest confidence. Let us know how we can help make this difficult race a little easier.
Research Papers:
(Please click the images to view the summary of the research paper. If you would like to view the complete paper, or if you would like to see more of her published research, please contact us.)
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