Back to School and Cancer-Stricken Children: Support is Needed

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

MONTREAL, Sept. 1, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - With back to school and back to work in full swing, September marks the return to regular life. However, for children undergoing cancer treatments, September takes on a different meaning since they are going to the hospital rather than going back to school and will spend their days in the company of nurses and doctors rather than with teachers and classmates. September was named "Childhood Cancer Awareness Month" in their honour.

Leucan, the Association for children with cancer, uses this special month as an opportunity to raise awareness among the public about the school reality of cancer-stricken children. Via its School Awareness Program, Leucan facilitates the education of children with cancer and their siblings, and provides both families and the educational community with appropriate support. Children may apprehend going back to school after a sick leave due to cancer, and teachers are not always equipped to explain the realities of cancer to their students: why their classmate lost his/her hair, why he/she will often feel tired, etc. The School Awareness Program raises awareness and demystifies pediatric cancer through many playful workshops tailored to the children's age. "The Leucan team met with Laurent's classmates to explain cancer and the courses of his treatments in simple words, and to answer all their questions. It was a very reassuring visit; my son's friends understood what he was going through and what to do to be there for him and support him!" said Hélène, mom of 10-year-old Laurent. In fact, over the last school year, Leucan's team met with 3,626 students in elementary schools across the province.

To show clear support for cancer-stricken children, Leucan encourages the community to proudly post the Gold Ribbon, the symbol of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, on social media throughout September. It is also possible to show support by making a donation at leucan.qc.ca. In addition, elementary schools across Quebec can sign up for the 2015 Leucan Halloween Money Box Campaign, a fundraising initiative by children for children.

For more than 35 years, Leucan has been supporting cancer-stricken children and their families. As a loyal ally of hundreds of families and thousands of members across Quebec, the Association provides specific and personalized services to its members, in addition to funding clinical research. Leucan's skilled staff developed a cutting edge expertise in the following areas: support and emotional assistance; financial assistance; referral services; massage therapy; hosting in hospital playrooms; socio-recreational activities;school awareness; end-of-life and bereavement follow-up services; support to cured patients; and the Leucan Information Centre. With its many offices, Leucan is present throughout Quebec.

SOURCE Leucan

Guillaume Rivest, Communications and Social Media Adviser, Leucan, 514-731-3696, ext. 203 or 514 718-5988, [email protected]