Why Me

Love and Support for Families with Childhood Cancer

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May 25 2017

Moms’ Night Out

Monday evening 21 moms gathered at the British Beer Company on Shrewsbury Street to enjoy a mom’s night out funded by the Why Parent Support Fund.  The night began with lots of hugs that quickly turned to lots of laughs and even a few tears.  Many of these mom first met years earlier as their children began treatment for their cancer.  Some were meeting for the first time and others were reuniting after loss. While Why Me hosts both a monthly parent support group and a monthly bereavement group, all of these moms are rarely in the same room. As Why Me programing has increased over the years and social media allows parents to keep in touch outside the house, families are much more aware of each other’s ups and downs.  From this, there has been increasing interest in social events that bring everyone together.   “Events like this, with a mixed group of moms, allows us to take the label off what various journeys we have walked with our “sick kids”.  We can just be a mom with her friends.” Explains Stephanie Fontaine, mom of Kailliah – both mother & daughter are cancer survivors.   

The moms gathered with Erin Giza of Life Expressions Decor, to create a custom decorative wall sign with sayings like “When there is rain look for rainbows. When it is dark look for stars.” The sentiment of these words, for this group, was not lost on Giza.  “I received a new shipment of that quote this morning.  I had a feeling it would resonate with this group.” Giza shares as she circulated the room teaching techniques and listening as the moms shared stories.

Giza has been volunteering at Why Me events for years and began hosting Life Expressions Decor events in 2016.  “I love the idea of getting friends, family, and strangers  together for a good time relaxing and crafting!  I really enjoy seeing everyone talk about the phrases they choose as a lot of sweet, and even sometimes sad, stories come out of it.”

As a Why Me volunteer Giza has cooked meals, helped with childcare and donated goods. She, like most people, connected with the mission of Why Me after her own personal experiences with friends and family going through cancer treatment.     “When Robyn reached out about helping with the event, it was an immediate yes!    I heard about Why Me when I was a child. My best friend’s father had been a long time supporter and frequently ran marathons to raise money.  From the minute I heard about Why Me I knew I wanted to support it too!  Throughout my years I have seen family members lose or beat their battles with cancer, and the thought of a child going through everything that comes with a cancer diagnosis breaks my heart even more, especially now that I am a mom.” Giza

All parents need nights out like this, but it is especially difficult for parents of sick kids to get out and do something for themselves.   It can be a real hardship for parents to spend  money and time away from their sick kids.  At Why Me events, parents know they will be taken care of and surrounded by other parents who get it.  When the phone rings and a mom jumps, all of the moms know the panic she is feeling.

 “I would love to see more social outings like this.  It’s important physically and mentally for moms/dads to take time out for themselves while dealing with a sick child. It also allows for much needed socialization between moms without disruption”shares Fontaine. The bonds of friendship that are formed between parents during what can be such an isolating time are a lifeline to these parents.  Having the opportunity to connect with other parents who just understand is invaluable.

 

 

To participate in our next family fun event or to inquire about donating in support of events likes these please visit: https://whyme.org/get-involved/

 

A father’s day outing is planned in the month of June please email  dperron@whyme.org for more information. 

Category: Family Posts

Mar 01 2017

February Vacation Fun Camp at Sherry’s House

Our first Vacation Fun Camp took place six years ago.  We took notice that families who have a child with cancer often don’t have the time or flexibility (with cancer treatment schedules) to go away for vacation.  Going to a local museum is a nice idea, but when your child has a compromised immune system something as simple as a cough can put a child battling cancer in the hospital for weeks.

Families look forward to our Why Me School Vacation Fun Camp, knowing their child (and his/her siblings) will have the opportunity to participate in fun activities in a safe and familiar environment.  Additionally Sherry’s House is ever mindful that many of these children are immune compromised and so it brings parent’s confidence knowing that the air filtration system at Sherry’s House utilizes both HEPA filters & ultraviolet radiation (UV) to eliminate airborne microorganisms and spores, specifically designed with these delicate immune systems in mind.

Not only do these vacation camps offer our families a chance to socialize outside of the hospital, but it gives parent’s a peace of mind knowing they can do so in safe, clean setting.

We always enjoy seeing many familiar and new faces during vacation camps at Why Me.  This February Fun Camp was no different, as our arts & crafts room was packed full of kids.

touch tankOn Tuesday, February 21st we kicked off camp with a visit from Mystic Aquarium and their traveling touch tank.  This was a great experience for the kids to touch/hold some snails, crabs and a lobster. We ended the day with a fun craft where each child got to make their own mason jar aquarium.  It was fun to see how different each one came out.  Some were filled with glitter, others were as dark as the ocean at night.  Overall the kids had a blast learning all about ocean life.

On boy paintingWednesday, February 22nd Just Paint led a fun cupcake themed painting activity.  The kids had a great time and got quite creative with their paintings.  After everyone finished we then decorated and enjoyed homemade cupcakes.

 

 

girl with face painted

For our final day of Fun Camp we held movie night on Thursday, February 23rd.  The arts & crafts room at Sherry’s House was packed with families ready for a showing of Secret Life of Pets on the big screen.  The kids were treated to amazing face painting courtesy of Face Painting by Christine Z.

Thank you to all of our visitors, volunteers, and Why Me families who attended. View all of our February Vacation Camp photos here.

 

 

Category: Family Posts · Tagged: camp, childhood_cancer, february_vacation, sherrys_house, why_me

Jan 23 2017

Thank You for Another Great Year

All throughout 2016 we helped to create new fun memories for our Why Me children and families, whenever possible.  We hosted a few days of school vacation activities in February and again in April. We celebrated holidays with fun events at Easter, Halloween and Christmas.  We held movie nights, games nights and attended a few sporting events in Boston and Worcester. We watched parents bravely share their journey with attendees at our fundraising events.  Overall, we did what we have for the last 30+ years – stand by our families and help provide moments of joy that they will remember long after their cancer treatment.

Thank you to our families for allowing Why Me into your lives.  A special thank you to our donors and volunteers – we couldn’t create so many smiles without your help.

We look forward to making new memories in 2017.

Category: Family Posts · Tagged: 2016, childhood_cancer, why_me, year_end

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Annual Appeal 2022

December 2022 Dear Friends, Ten years ago, I lost my four-year-old daughter to Leukemia. Sophia was an absolute ray of sunshine. The … [Read More...]

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