Luxembourg Foundation Helps Families Cope with Childhood Cancer
-
Loading... - Conrad Cuma
- 24 Mar 2025
- 32 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
In Luxembourg, approximately 30 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, a diagnosis that profoundly impacts not only the affected child but the entire family. With many of these children requiring treatment in neighboring countries like France, Belgium, or Germany, families often find themselves juggling the challenges of supporting a sick child while managing the needs of siblings at home, work commitments, and household responsibilities.
The Role of Fondatioun Kriibskrank Kanner
The Fondatioun Kriibskrank Kanner has been a vital resource for families facing the challenges of childhood cancer for over 35 years. The foundation provides comprehensive support, including psychological assistance, help with administrative tasks, and financial coverage for medical expenses. In 2022, 31 children and teenagers were diagnosed with cancer, most of whom needed to travel for specialized treatment.
Katya Gonçalves, the foundation’s psychologist, plays a crucial role in offering emotional support to patients, their parents, and siblings. She conducts consultations with families, helping them navigate the emotional landscape of a cancer diagnosis. “A cancer diagnosis on a child shakes up the whole family,” Gonçalves explains. “Children with cancer are aware of their illness; they know something is wrong. It’s important for them to understand their situation in the context of treatment.”
Addressing Family Dynamics
The impact of a child’s illness extends to siblings, who may struggle with feelings of loneliness and distress while their brother or sister is hospitalized. Gonçalves emphasizes the importance of addressing these emotions, noting that siblings may exhibit behavioral regressions, such as bedwetting or increased aggression. She encourages parents to maintain connections with their healthy children, suggesting they record bedtime stories or schedule regular calls to provide comfort and continuity.
Parents are entitled to “extraordinary” long-term leave for family reasons when their child suffers from a serious illness like cancer. However, only one parent can take leave at a time, which can complicate family dynamics further.
Comprehensive Support Services
Fondatioun Kriibskrank Kanner covers all medical bills related to the child’s treatment, including medication, transport to hospitals, and accommodation for parents accompanying their sick child. The foundation has established partnerships with hospitals in neighboring countries and provides rooms near treatment facilities, ensuring that families can stay close to their children during treatment.
In addition to financial support, the foundation assists with administrative tasks, such as applying for extraordinary leave from work, allowing families to focus on their child’s care without the added stress of paperwork. They also offer specialized educators to help support healthy siblings at home.
The Importance of Communication
Effective communication is crucial when discussing a child’s illness, especially in cases of terminal diagnoses. Gonçalves advises parents to use clear and appropriate terminology when explaining the situation to their children. “It’s important for a child to know if they are going to die,” she states. She encourages parents to be honest and direct, as vague language can lead to misunderstandings and confusion.
Supporting Research and Awareness
Through donations and fundraising events, Fondatioun Kriibskrank Kanner also supports research into pediatric cancers. The foundation recognizes that childhood cancers are distinct from adult cancers and require specialized research and treatment approaches.
One of their key fundraising events, Lëtz Go Gold, will take place on September 27, where participants will gather sponsorships to run distances of 1.5 km, 5 km, or 10 km to raise money for pediatric cancer research.
The Fondatioun Kriibskrank Kanner plays a vital role in supporting families coping with childhood cancer in Luxembourg. By providing psychological support, financial assistance, and resources for communication, the foundation helps families navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Through their ongoing efforts, they not only support affected families but also contribute to vital research aimed at improving outcomes for children with cancer.
