Mental Health and the Childhood Cancer JourneyMental Health and the Childhood Cancer Journey

Mental Health and the Childhood Cancer Journey

Mental Health and the Childhood Cancer Journey—A Panel Discussion

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it can have an overwhelming effect on the entire family. Mental health is often overlooked in order to focus on the diagnosis and treatment of your child’s cancer. However, the psychological effects of the diagnosis and the challenges that come with living with childhood cancer are as important to address. Having an open conversation about these experiences and how to deal with them is very important.

Here you will find a panel discussion featuring Devon Still, former NFL player, and his daughter Leah, a childhood cancer survivor; Dr. Lori Wiener, Head of the Psychosocial Support and Research Program at the National Cancer Institute; Gavin and Wendy Lindberg, bereaved parents and co-founders of The EVAN Foundation; and Stephanie Ionata, a two-time childhood cancer survivor. They will provide their unique perspective on mental health in childhood cancer, including dealing with emotions, learning to be vulnerable, finding the strength to fight, and figuring out overall how to cope with the diagnosis.

Jump to a section below to learn more:   Meet the panel   Coping with Childhood Cancer Guide

We encourage you to watch the full discussion, but in the interest of time, we’ve sectioned out the video so you can watch it at your own pace. Below you will find the timestamps of each section in the video.

Contents of the Panel Discussion
Introducing the Panel - 00:06
Dealing With the Initial Guilt - 05:37
Allowing Yourself to Be Vulnerable - 17:01
Finding the Strength to Fight - 20:34
Finding Joy and Celebrating the Small Victories - 22:31
Learning to Cope Together - 27:32
Resources You Can Tap Into - 27:32
Psychosocial Standards of Care - 29:11
Burden of Finances - 34:33
Grief and Loss - 43:49
Parting Words of Hope and Inspiration - 50:53

Hear more from the panel discussion below

How Regoaling Can Reboot Your Life

Learn about the important skill of regoaling and how it can help both parents and children navigate the childhood cancer journey. Featuring:

  • Devon Still, former NFL player and father of survivor, Leah
  • Dr. Lori Wiener, PhD, Head of the Psychosocial Support and Research Program at the National Cancer Institute

The Impact on Siblings

Hear our panelists discuss the impact that childhood cancer can have on siblings and what steps can be taken to make sure the needs of siblings are met. Featuring:

  • Stephanie Ionata, childhood cancer survivor
  • Dr. Lori Wiener, PhD, Head of the Psychosocial Support and Research Program at the National Cancer Institute

See more tips on helping siblings cope with the diagnosis

How Cancer Changes Your Perspective

Find out about the surprising way the childhood cancer journey changed our panelists’ way of relating to others. Featuring:

  • Wendy Lindberg, bereaved parent and co-founder of The EVAN Foundation
  • Devon Still, former NFL player and father of survivor, Leah

Meet the panel

Meet our panel of parents, caregivers, and patients just like you, who have also gone through, and continue to navigate, their own childhood cancer journey. While no two journeys are the same, we hope that the courage and honesty of these families help inspire and comfort you as you navigate your own experience.

Resources

Resources

Coping with Childhood Cancer Guide

A step-by-step guide to help set a good foundation for you and your child's mental health throughout your journey. This guide takes you from initial diagnosis to after treatment, with considerations to help you cope with childhood cancer and advocate for resources that may be available to you. Use this guide as you navigate the childhood cancer journey.

Download Coping with Childhood Cancer Guide

or request a printed version here