Angelica’s Story – Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Q: How has your child’s cancer diagnosis impacted your life?

For me, it is not being available to both my kids all the time. Most of the time I was with my youngest in appointments, treatments, tests, hospital stays and then I had very little time to be present for my older kid, who was at home trying to understand and grow with the situation.

Q: What is one thing you wish others knew about life as a parent of a child with cancer?

No two cancer diagnoses are the same. Every person deals and lives through it differently. Cancer feels like a double-sided emotional blade; it makes you feel powerless to help your kid, but on the other side, you are their rock 100% of the time.

Cancer also impacts the whole family, including pets. It can become a journey that can impact the rest of your life. A road that is full of support from many angles, but at the same time a road that no one can share with you. Talking about your emotions, feelings, downs and ups helps tremendously, but also understanding that life does not stop and that we have to continue living it, makes the journey a little less alone.

Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to a parent with a newly diagnosed child?

I live my life with two guidelines–Plan for the worst and hope for the best and always ask questions and seek answers to those things you don’t understand. Knowledge always helps.