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The day that a doctor tells a parent that their child has cancer is a day that changes their lives forever. For most parents, there are a number of reactions that follow quickly one upon the other in bewildering confusion. While there is anger and utter perplexity, there is above all the love of the child whose life is threatened. One question clearly and quickly emerges: 'What can I do?" This is exactly where the Candlelighters / Interlink Paediatric Community Cancer Nurse enters the situation. Modeled after the Macmillian Nurses in the United Kingdom, this unique and specialized group of nurses devote themselves to helping parents, children and their families cope with cancer. As a member of the primary healthcare team, the Candlelighters / Interlink Nurse is unquestionably a vital link between the hospital, the community and the family.
Children with cancer are at risk. As they are released from hospital and returned to their homes as soon after diagnosis as possible, there is a critical need for a resource person to co-ordinate all of the services necessary for a family to cope with the disease at home and the demanding treatment. The Candlelighters / Interlink Paediatric Community Cancer Nurse meets with the family as soon as possible after the diagnosis of childhood cancer is made. Together with the family, the nurse assesses the supports of the family and identifies their unique needs. As the parents deal with the shock of the diagnosis, the Candlelighters / Interlink Nurse is already beginning to help. Over the next few weeks or months, the nurse will assist the family in sorting through the maze of services and resources they require to adequately meet their needs.
As a member of the child's primary health care team, the Candlelighters / Interlink Nurse is unquestionably a vital link between the hospital, the community and the family. This is a program that truly makes a difference in the lives of children with cancer and their families. Parents who have had a Candlelighters / Interlink Nurse work with them throughout all stages of their child's cancer constantly express their gratitude for this. They all name their Candlelighters / Interlink Nurse as absolutely pivotal in managing their child's health care.
The Candlelighters / Interlink Paediatric Community Cancer Nurse Program has been made possible through Candlelighters Canada and a grant from the Trillium Foundation of Ontario. The need for this service is clearly national and Candlelighters is now pursuing assistance to implement this program in other provinces. The Board of Directors of Candlelighters Canada has made a commitment to expand this collaborative program across the country. Our goal is to have a minimum of thirty Candlelighters / Interlink Paediatric Community Cancer Nurses in place within the next four years.
There is no fee for this service. A referral can come from either the doctor or family members or friends. It is important to note that no other organization provides this specialized type of service to paediatric cancer patients and their families.
