Aiman’sLegacy
Five-year-old Aiman was diagnosed with brain
stem tumour in 2015. As a fan of Korean sensation,
PSY, the song ‘Gangnam Style’ reduced his anxiety
associatedwithhospital experiences.Aiman’s legacy
wasamusic videoof himdancing to ‘GangnamStyle’
alongwith familymembers, hisphysiotherapist, nurse
and social worker at the hospital. Despite being in a
wheelchair, Aiman grooved to his favourite tune as
best as he could.
Aiman’s story is a testament that positive hospital
experiences are possible for children with cancer.
His video celebrates his life and is a treasured gift
for his family and other children and families affected
by cancer.
If you still have difficulties engaging your child, ‘Filial Play’
maybe just theway toget youstartedon the right track!Filial
Play involvescaregiversdirectlyas theagentsof therapeutic
change.Theplay therapistbecomesacoach for thecaregiver
in learning to use basic play skills at home in a time-limited
manner.Caregivers then learnhow toengage their childwith
non-directive play to create a safe environment that allows
their child to express his/her emotions and needs aswell as
develop appropriate social boundaries and cues.
As caregivers, there are many opportunities for you to
shower your child with positive attention in your everyday
interactions together. Sowhynot start now?For enquiriesor
to schedule an appointment with our Play Therapist, please
contact your caseworker.
D
Make eye contact and use caring
facial expressions
C
Provide opportunities for mutual interaction
such as initiating conversations (but avoid
interferingwith your child’smethods of play
and choice of toys)
A
Show interest in your child’s hobbies,
activities and achievements
Initiate special play time with your
child for 20minutes aday
B
Play is forParentsToo!
In the first of this four-part serieson the topicof ‘Play’,CCF’s
certified Play Therapist, Joanne, shares why caregivers are
encouraged toplaywith their childandhowplay therapycan
be conducted at home!
Play is an important part of a child’s life and is the language
that children use to understand and communicate with the
world. As such, setting aside time to play with your child
is important to let them understand how much they are
valued. A positive caregiver-child relationship also provides
the framework and support for children to develop a
healthy respect and regard for self and others.
While play may be a very natural process for some
caregivers, it can be an immensely stressful task for others
who have forgotten how to play. For caregivers who face
difficulties engaging your child, here are some useful and
practical tips for you!
LegacyBuildingProgramme
CCF’s LegacyBuildingprogramme seeks
Toprovideapositiveandcreativeway for thebeneficiaries
and their families tomakemeaningof their cancer journey
and facilitate resilience in adversity
Topromote familybondingandcommunications
To reducecaregivers’distress
1
andbringsolace tobereaved
families through fondmemories and remembrance of their
lovedones
Legacy-building activities include scrapbooking, photographs,
artworks, videos, song-writing,poetry,memoryboxes,handprints
and/or footprints and journals, just toname a few.
Legacybuilding canbeusedasa vital tool inpaediatricpalliative
care tomakeapositive impact in the livesof childrenwithcancer
as well as their caregivers. Besides creating a platform for the
beneficiaries and their families to communicate their thoughts,
feelingsandwishes through tangibleways, thepositivememories
created can bring about empowerment, comfort and support
through variousways
2
. It reassures the beneficiary that theywill
not be forgotten despite their absence and helps the bereaved
individual maintain a tangible connectionwith loved ones lost to
childhood cancer.
1
Foster et al, 2012; Allen, Hilgeman, Ege, Shuster &Burgio, 2008
2
Foster, Dietrich, Friedman, Gordon, &Gilmer, 2012; Corr, Torkildson&Horgan, 2010
12
