Written by Reina Beach, co-founder of Hello Brave
Hello Brave was born out of a need for more resources for children and families facing health challenges. Our mission is to make medical experiences less intimidating and more approachable through the magic of storytelling. We also created Hello Brave to give parents a supportive space filled with information and resources, so you never have to feel alone in this journey.
To the parents seeking connection and understanding, I want to share a reflective personal piece I wrote as the mother of an 8-year-old boy diagnosed with cancer. This is my love letter to all parents who have faced the heart-wrenching experience of receiving their child’s devastating diagnosis and everything that comes after.
Remember, yours is a brave story, and you are not alone.
In the quiet before the diagnosis, we navigate uncertain waters, our hearts heavy with worry, our breathing quick. Then comes the news, the confirmation of what we were on our knees in desperation to avoid. Primal cries or silently stunned, we are powerless in our response. This heavy revelation changes our life’s course in an instant. Impossible conversations with our children unfold, explaining the unexplainable, trying to protect them from the weight of the words.
Amidst this whirlwind, we face a flood of confusing and overwhelming information, trying to make sense of the medical jargon that suddenly becomes a part of our daily vocabulary. People, well-intentioned, ask, 'What do you need? How can I help?'—questions we can't quite answer, drowning in the enormity of our situation.
The stress on relationships, especially with our partners, is palpable. We navigate this uncharted territory together, weathering the storm that threatens to pull us apart. And then there are the siblings, the ones we try our best to shield from life’s cruelty, grappling with guilt as we balance the needs of our entire family.
Our new normal unfolds swiftly, the unusual morphing into routine as we learn to adapt. Sleepless nights in the sterile hospital room become familiar, as we stand vigilant by our child's side, providing comfort, distraction, and a steadfast display of bravery.
So many moments break our hearts over and over again—the sight of our child in agony, the crippling fear, their frail bodies appearing as living angels while asleep. Wishing desperately that we could take their place, spare them all the pain and suffering.
We live in the constant shadow of unseen threats, vigilantly taking temperatures to grasp a semblance of control. The unknowing of what will come next, a relentless companion on this journey. We are worn down, yet hope pulses through our veins, a steady beat that carries us forward.
And when others marvel, saying, 'I can't imagine how you get through this,' we find strength in the unwavering commitment to our child. There is no alternative but to stand by them, giving every ounce of our being to guide them toward healing.
In this journey, you are not alone. Feel the collective hug from parents who walk this path, their silent understanding echoing through the pages of this shared story.
With love,
A fellow parent
Please see our current books about lymphoma and leukemia and our resource page for organizations that you may find helpful.
Also, feel free to reach out to me at team@hellobrave.co if you would like personal support or have any questions about what you might expect when your child receives a cancer diagnosis.
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