The day a family enters the hospital for the first time is a moment they say they will never forget. Anxiety and an indefinable fear walk hand in hand with the courage and trust they hope will never be lacking. They want to be able to believe.
This is one of the key moments in Acreditar’s commitment. We provide a very special welcome to these newly arrived families, offered weekly in hospitals by a team of young people who have had cancer or by their parents. We call it first-hand volunteering – through the shared experience that unites them, an immediate sense of community is created, reducing feelings of isolation and fear.
By sharing their experience, guiding on broader issues, or clarifying the small details, they are the ones who can most help newly arrived families to not feel alone and to have Hope.
We also know that an informed family is a stronger family. That is why Acreditar has invested in providing parents with information about pediatric cancer and what their experience entails.
Support during the initial phase of the illness continues throughout every step of the journey. Acreditar, through its teams of parents, young people, volunteers, and professionals, is available to provide emotional support at any moment. Only in this way can families complete the journey saying: “thank you for sharing the path with us.”
At this moment, each child and young person is given the Fio Acreditar in Colors. Through its pieces, it tells the journey through the illness, such as the start of a chemotherapy or radiotherapy cycle, surgery, the beginning of hair loss, and also its regrowth. Both good and bad days are recorded here as well. This is a playful way to encourage adherence to treatments, and its importance is described here by Clara’s mother, aged 6. “The thread brought a new color to this journey, a very nice and fun idea to accompany us all the way to the end. A unique thread for each unique child. Thank you.” And from Nurse Maria: “The idea is fantastic; I liked it from the start. And the kids love it when they come to us asking for more pieces.”
This project, from the Dutch association Vereniging Kinderkanker, is brought to Portugal by Acreditar.
Through these publications, aimed at the sick child or young person, their parents, teachers, siblings, and all those who support the family.
Ao subscrever está a aceitar a Política de Privacidade da Acreditar. Damos muito valor à sua privacidade e por isso garantimos a confidencialidade dos seus dados.
