New Podcast Episode: Devon’s Story

This episode of The Dragonfly Effect podcast focuses on how Dragonfly provides emotional, relational and practical support for its families in critical times during and after treatment. Devon shares how Dragonfly supported her family in a way no one else could, becoming a beacon of light in dark times while her family struggled with isolation and financial pressure throughout her son’s cancer treatment. She also describes ongoing challenges related to recovery and survivorship.

Bear picture

Survivorship: Stresses & PTSD

The process of diagnosis and then establishing the best protocol for a pediatric cancer diagnosis is like going to war.  Truly. There is so much waiting and anxiety associated with that, as well as managing a scared and sick child, dealing with a job, other kids other obligations and then back to the unknowns associated with cancer.  Just writing this …

Illustration by Joe Hoffecker

Scanxiety

“It’s scan week and the anxiety is in full on crazy mode. There is a term we (“we” being other parents of kids with cancer) use to describe this feeling- scanxiety. It isn’t so much anxiety about what might happen this week, it is anxiety because of what already happened. We have already heard the words “your child has cancer” …

“They can’t understand.”

Quotes from Dragonfly Families: “I have no family here and I could have never made it through without this support system. And I’m not a support group kinda girl!…somewhere the thing that isn’t immediately obvious is not just the care and support you provide the patients. It’s the support system you create for the families. (I’m crying) We are all …

Matt and Sam

Quotes of the Week

“When a social worker suggested Dragonfly and told me that they did lots of fun activities, I thought I would never have another day of fun in my life and neither would my child. However, I joined for my child’s sake, thinking she needed support outside the family. Dragonfly has done so much for our family! I’ve found support not …

Inspirational songs

We have heard that many of these songs and more provide comfort to our families. If they can do this for them, they may provide comfort to you during stressful times.  Check out any or all of these!! “Overcomer” by Mandisa “Anyway” by Martina McBride “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” by Martina McBride “In My Daughters Eyes” by Martina …