New program helps youth understand, cope with cancer

This story originally appeared in the 2011 newsletter.A new June E. Nylen Cancer Center service, titled “Kids Coping with a Loved One’s Cancer,” is aimed at helping young people understand the cancer fight their parents or grandparents are facing and to address their fears and questions.“These sessions will help explain to young people and teens what causes cancer, how we treat it and what it means for them,” said Mary Jane Fitch, course coordinator.Three sessions will include a center tour, a review of what cancer is and how it is treated along with information about anatomy and cancer terminology. A final session delves into the emotional side of cancer, discussing their fears and answering questions they have about the disease.The course is funded through money raised from the 2010 Race for Hope.“Dealing with cancer can be difficult and stressful for children, just as it is for adults,” Fitch said. “Our aim is to make the mystery of cancer understandable for young people, no matter what age they are, and to ensure that their questions are answered and their emotional needs met.”The course is open to children aged 5 to 15 years old, and there is no fee to participate. For more information call Mary Jane Fitch at 712.252.0088.