Have you ever wondered how your contributions to THON actually help kids with childhood cancer? THON volunteers and donors help provide services like pediatric oncology psychology support to children with cancer. Thanks to these services, kids can better deal with the hard feelings they experience on their cancer journey. Every donation improves patients’ quality of life and gives them benefits, like therapies. The funds raised from THON go straight into treatments for those fighting childhood cancer.
Pediatric oncology psychologists help patients work through complicated feelings. They help children and their families with coping skills during the stressful treatment process. Read on to learn how pediatric oncology psychologists help children in the fight against cancer. We’ll also explain how your donations have a direct impact on providing care.
Every school day, approximately 43 children are diagnosed with cancer. It can be a stressful time for children and their families, and pediatric oncology psychologists are there to help patients manage those difficult feelings. These specialists are skilled at teaching children techniques to get through different cancer treatments, such as shots, IVs, chemotherapy, and surgery.
A cancer diagnosis changes a child’s day-to-day routine. It affects their mood and prevents them from having a normal, happy childhood. Sometimes, mental health conditions can cause other symptoms or make it difficult to cope with the effects of treatments. A recent study found that 40.3% of cancer patients experience significant anxiety, distress, or depression.
Pediatric oncology psychologists prescribe medication or provide evidence-based psychotherapy. They help children with cancer in these ways:
Penn State Health Children’s Hospital’s pediatric oncology psychologists guide young patients through cancer treatments and monitor their educational needs. They help the kids develop mentally and emotionally so they can live life as normally as possible while undergoing cancer treatment. They also offer counseling for childhood cancer patients who may be facing unfavorable diagnoses.
Studies show that childhood cancer impacts parents as well as patients. Families can feel hopeless and have trouble handling daily tasks.
So, how does pediatric oncology help with these feelings? Counseling for cancer patients and families helps them process emotions like sadness, despair and frustration.
Psychologists at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital use evidence-based approaches to support patients who have emotional or behavioral challenges. They help families adjust to and handle changes with grace and understanding. Our psychologists also spot learning issues that may result after treatment and could become acute. They can treat these conditions early on so kids have a better quality of life during and after cancer treatment.
Here are some of the ways pediatric psychologists at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital help:
Did you know that cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children 15 years and younger? Approximately 1,500 children die of cancer every year, but thanks to advancing treatments, there are more and more survivors each year.
Over 70% of children with cancer survive the disease, which is a very encouraging statistic. And, with your help, we can support more patients on their journey to recovery.
A cancer diagnosis can be scary for children fighting cancer, and they may deal with a lot of anxiety. A psychologist can help cancer patients work through the fear and hopelessness they may face. They can help kids build the skills to work through their emotions in a healthy way.
The physical effects of cancer and treatments may cause bodily changes like weight and hair loss. They can affect patients’ self-esteem and ability to socialize. Pediatric oncology psychologists lend a helping hand to children with cancer, working with them to gain the confidence to engage in self-care practices and social events.
Children fighting cancer may experience intense stress, causing conditions like panic disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many patients also struggle academically due to prolonged hospitalization and treatment side effects.
Psychologists use therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to motivate and uplift patients. Research shows that counseling for childhood cancer patients through CBT can reduce pain, depression, and anxiety in children living with cancer.
Thanks to the help of volunteers and donors, THON plays an important role in helping pediatric oncology research through its contributions to Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine.
Every contribution we receive directly supports research for childhood cancer treatments in the U.S. and around the world. The THON Community raised over a quarter of a billion dollars, which helps improve treatment and pediatric oncology research. With the help of donors, researchers can create new therapies for children fighting cancer.
Our donors and volunteers help more patients access cutting-edge therapies, treatments, and research. By supporting THON, you can help pediatric oncology research further its reach. Do you want to help patients keep their fighting spirit? With THON, you can.
Since 1977, THON has partnered with Four Diamonds and Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. We work with our partners to provide care and support to childhood cancer patients. THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. We’re always looking for more student volunteers and donors.
We donate 96 cents of every dollar raised to help children fight cancer. When you make a donation, you help cover the cost of life-changing care, from prescription drugs to research experiments to pediatric oncology psychology services. Our volunteers work to create memories for families and fundraise for the Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, where parents from all backgrounds find hope for their children with cancer.
Whether you want to fundraise on behalf of THON through online fundraising pages or individual fundraisers, donate, volunteer, or shop our merch, we truly appreciate everything you do to make a difference in the lives of childhood cancer patients.
To ensure that THON is able to donate 96 cents of every dollar raised to Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, we heavily rely on donor support. These donations provide us the resources to create endless memories for our Four Diamonds families & foster a deep love & connection to our mission for our volunteers through Pre-THON Events, alternative fundraisers, & THON Weekend.
