Childcare for women and families impacted by cancer

Helping moms when they need it most

We are a unique organization and the only organization in Canada that does this kind of work. Our vision is a world where every mother with cancer receives the support, she needs so that she no longer has to choose between her own care and taking care of her kids; and where her children have the support of a specially trained volunteer, so they are able to share their feelings in a safe environment, cope with stress, and build resilience for the future. Our Certified Child Life Specialists oversee the development of evidence-based, customized programs for our families, and our highly trained volunteers go above and beyond for their matched families through all phases of the cancer journey. We believe all mothers with cancer, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, should receive the specialized childcare they need during their cancer journey.

Background

We address the impact of cancer (and the effects of treatment - chemo and radiation) on moms and their children. There is still no cure for cancer. Children exposed to a long-term illness of a parent experience a 50% higher incidence of mental health challenges. It is not a fair playing field for moms with cancer. The need for NAN’s program is great, and even more during COVID-19. Children are even more sad, scared, and anxious; and are at higher risk of depression, addictions and suicide. Children of cancer patients have higher levels of emotional and behavioral problems compared to others. Children ask if they caused the cancer and if they can cure the cancer; and moms ask who will look after their children should they die. Women with cancer become diminished, no longer have energy to play with their children, maintain routines. Financial strain – women work less, not at all or divorce happens, placing large financial impacts on the family. Moms must still be moms and often must choose between going for treatment and looking after their children.

The good deed

With your donation we will be able to support more families and create more programs for our moms and their children to be able to cope during their cancer journey, and support more families through the bereavement period if necessary. By providing free, specialized, relief childcare to mothers with cancer for kids 16 and under we are giving kids coping strategies to manage their anxiety and grief and help build resilience by helping to maintain a sense of normalcy for kids during a very difficult time. We are here to give hope and support. We know what a difficult time this is for our NAN families and we do everything we can to help make a difference and ease the burden of cancer on our families. We believe in constant adaptation and creative improvement to nimbly respond to the changing needs of our families and our community. We are accountable to all of our stakeholders – mothers, children, families, volunteers, community partners, funding partners and supporters.