“I think what has been most helpful is that the program has reinforced that they aren’t alone, other children and families are affected by cancer.”
Jenni Jackson was 45 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she’s lucky enough for it to be in remission now. But what she was talking about was something other than a treatment program for her; it was, however, helping her feel better in a small way. Jackson’s children have been taking part in Just Show Up, a program for kids 6-14 that allows them to interact with other kids who are going through something similar. Offered through Wellspring Stratford, the program gives kids a measure of reassurance when times are anything but in their family lives.
“That is an incredible gift during a time that is stressful and uncertain, especially for kids,” Jackson said. “The programs, especially in the beginning, helped me feel connected and less alone or isolated. There are so many options whether you are wanting for therapeutic support, just want to connect with a peer from the comfort of your home or go out to the centre.”
Todd Goold is a registered social worker with Wellspring London. Stratford and region, and he says while Just Show Up isn’t a supportive program, conversations naturally happen.
“Whether it’s with the kids or the parents, connections are made,” he said. “We had an instance where two parents who didn’t know each other met, and discovered they had a similar diagnosis except one was almost in remission while one was just starting their journey, so they were able to connect and share their experiences.”
The program really is as simple as just showing up, and Goold says the program really allows people to come together.
“Whether it’s kids or adults we don’t heal in isolation, we heal in relationships, and this program really helps those moments happen.”
For Jackson, Just Show Up really helped her and continues to help others impacted with cancer not have to worry about the stresses of planning an outing.
“It can be stressful for people to coordinate, especially for people living with cancer who sometimes experience brain fog,” she said. “The program is inviting, and they do fun things like going to Pursuit Climbing. It offers a chance for kids to do programs that maybe they otherwise wouldn’t have done.”
It’s through partnerships within the community that the Just Show Up program is either free or low in cost for participants. The events also allow caregivers to connect with their peers while seeing their children enjoy an activity.
“The program portion may be all you are wanting,” said Jackson. “Other people like to have a chat and meet one another, and it’s easy to meet people if that is what you want. The program coordinators who attend are so engaging and supportive to individual needs.”
Seeing the success of the program, and the impact it has had on her, and her family, Jackson has decided to give back and volunteer her time, by sharing her story.
“I think I offer a unique perspective given my own experiences and journey,” she said. “Every cancer situation is an individual circumstance, and no treatment plan is the same for everyone, but for most people going through a situation like cancer is going to bring up lots of fear and uncertainty.”
