A Note to Rob Ford’s Kids (and every other kid who has a parent fighting cancer)
Hi Stephanie & Doug
This past week you received some very alarming news about cancer and I just want to share with you some of the things that I learned about cancer when my family was hit with it a few years ago.
First, cancer is a word that sounds very scary. We hear so much about it and most of what we hear sounds like bad news. But let me tell you some good news. Doctors have been working very hard discovering new ways to beat cancer and every year more and more people are winning their battle. Your dad’s doctors have come up with a treatment plan and it is a good one. I heard the doctor on TV say that he is optimistic about your dad’s treatment and that is very good news.
The not so good news is that your dad’s treatment will probably make him feel horrible for a while but that’s how the medicine is suppose to work. It will attack the cancer cells and kill them, but in the process your dad will probably feel pretty rough. You can help him through this by spending as much time with him as you can. Tell him things that are happening at school. Remind him about the good family times like at the cottage and going to Canada’s Wonderland. Tell him that your teachers and friends are all pulling for him.
Most kids have a lot of confusing feelings when their parent gets cancer. Feelings like: fear, sadness, anger, lonely. All these feelings are normal and it will help you if you talk to someone in your family about them. “Talking” to someone wise and who you trust about your worries is one of the best ways to not become discouraged. Your mom will probably have some of the same feelings you have and you can help each other as you travel this road together.
Your dad is a real scrapper and that is a very good thing when it comes to fighting cancer. Now I would suggest to you to go to him and give him a big hug and kiss and tell him you love him. He really needs that right now and so do you.
Rick