Assistance and support for parents of seriously ill children: the challenges they face

When a child is seriously ill and their quality of life is irreversibly compromised, every family member is affected. “Without the help of their parents, a sick child is utterly without resources,” says Terry Pomerantz.

That is why parental support is essential ‒ vital‒ for all seriously ill children. “Supporting a seriously ill child is so difficult for parents. They show such resilience! I have met many during my visits to Le Phare. Frankly, I don’t know how they do it!”

Daily Challenges for Parents with a Sick Child

To support their sick child, parents must face both practical challenges and psychological and emotional hurdles.

Psychological Challenges

Helplessness
Parents of a seriously ill child feel powerless to relieve their child’s suffering.

Anxiety
They live in constant fear of the illness worsening, giving rise to nearly perpetual anxiety.

Strain on the relationship
Anxiety, fatigue, the continuous care and support required for the sick child can lead to disagreements and tensions that may erode the couple’s bond.


Practical Challenges

Managing care
In addition to coordinating medical appointments with several specialists, parents must learn complex medical procedures, manage medical equipment, and administer complicated medications.

Balancing work and caregiving
The demands of constant care, multiple medical appointments, and unexpected relapses force parents to frequently miss work or even end their employment.

Financial difficulties
Loss of income, the costs of medications and specialized treatments that are not covered by public or private insurance, and the expenses for specialized equipment and home adaptations create a significant financial burden.

Chronic fatigue
The ongoing stress causes both physical and mental exhaustion, eventually leading parents to neglect their own needs and suffer health problems related to burnout.

How to Support the Parents of a Sick Child

Here are a few suggestions for simple gestures that can effectively support the parents of a sick child:

• Offer to occasionally take over some daily chores, such as laundry, dishwashing, lawn maintenance, walking the dog, and shovelling snow.
• Help with grocery shopping or offer to cook a few meals.
• Take care of the sick child’s siblings by providing transportation for their leisure activities, taking them to the movies, a show, or out for a walk.
• Keep in touch to prevent social isolation.
• Go with the parents to the hospital, even if just to offer attentive company.
• Organize a fundraising event to provide financial assistance.

It is also worth noting that, besides Le Phare, Altergo and Sun Youth, several other specialized organizations help sick children and their parents.

Message of Support: Finding the Right Words

What should you say to parents of a sick child to encourage them? How can we let them know that we are here to support them and that we are here for them? Certainly, sincerity and attentive listening are essential. A few heartfelt words and a warm embrace are far better than an overflow of falsely optimistic platitudes like “Everything will be fine.”

“I am here for you,” always soothes. It is by showing our availability and offering our ear that we can provide concrete, practical, and sincere comfort.

Pomerantz Foundation

The Pomerantz Foundation actively supports several organizations dedicated to assisting sick children and their families. Thanks to the involvement of all its donors since its founding in 2002, the foundation has awarded over 8 million dollars to various charitable organizations for children.