The importance of Redkite Red Bags


 

Emilia and Redkite's Red Bag Can you imagine being told your child or brother or sister has cancer? For most of us it’s hard to think about, but around 33 families in Australia will receive that devastating news this week.

Many families will be sent to a hospital straight from the doctor’s surgery to get some tests done. They likely won’t go home and a parent can wind up staying in hospital for days, weeks, maybe even months to be with their child during treatment. 

With so much to adjust to and a cancer journey to prepare for, practical support can make a big difference. That’s why Redkite provides Red Bags, practical support packs with the 'must haves'. Their contents include:

  • toiletries like toothbrushs, shampoo and tissues
  • a bear to cuddle
  • a diary to write down doctors' names, take notes and record medications
  • key information which can be referred to throughout the cancer journey
Emilia Armytage, Redkite's Manager of Financial and Material Support (pictured above), describes Red Bags as "grass roots support". "Red Bags are given to families at a critical time when a child first receives a cancer diagnosis. They let families know that they are not alone," Emilia explains.

The Redbags have just been updated. New items include a re-usable KeepCup for late night coffees and a new and improved diary.

Redkite’s social workers are also on hand in children’s cancer wards and treatment centres for young people. They’re experienced in supporting families at diagnosis and then during cancer treatments – some of which can last for years. They provide counselling support and information. Importantly too, they are available for the whole family so that children and young people have the strongest possible network around them.

Red Bags help get the word out to families in the hospital environment about these dedicated professionals and other Redkite services.