DVD for parents and young people living with cancer
'It’s like this…' How young people and their parents deal with cancer
Redkite has collaborated with CanTeen to produce a free DVD for young people living with cancer and their parents. It is designed to give an understanding of what it is like to be an adolescent or young adult dealing with cancer.
The DVD, titled 'It's like this...', explores the whole range of cancer experiences, including bereavement. It features young people's perspectives on living with their own cancer or that of their siblings. It also shares parents' experiences on caring for a young person with cancer.
To order a copy of 'It's like this...' please call Redkite on 1300 722 644 or email support@redkite.org.au.
This introductory clip provides a brief insight into the DVD’s content.
To order a copy of the DVD please call Redkite on 1300 722 644 or email support@redkite.org.au
Some of the perspectives shared in 'It's like this...' include those of 23 year old Erin who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Karen, mother of 21 year old Jaryd, also diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma:
“One of the most important things is to communicate between parents – not just talking but to listen, really listening to how I am feeling or what I am worried about or what I fear – ‘cos if they listen then I know they are supporting me." Erin.
“When Jaryd was diagnosed I probably became over protective – I wanted to make things right for him. But in doing that I forgot to listen to what he wanted for his cancer journey… I kind of smothered him I guess. And that was when he said ‘mum take a step back, I am grown up and I can think for myself’ and I think that was when I stood back and thought, yes, he does have to live through this journey not just survive this journey.” Karen, mother of Jaryd.
