not exactly the same, but...

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not exactly the same, but...
By Jane

Dear Kate,
In 1999, I had just begun teaching at a small school (where I had interned while working on my master's) when my 17 year old son was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma. The students in my classroom had met Chris
and he had read to them, so they were very concerned. We all talked about cancer and I kept them filled in on what was happening in his treatment--even when he was having a tough time with the chemo. They made cards and videos for him and he sent them pictures, videos, and e-mail. It was very important--for us all--to talk about cancer and the treatment Chris was having. They had many,

many questions and I answered them all--including "Will Chris die?" ("I don't know, but the doctors are working night and day to make him well.") The kids and I believed that every victory for Chris was a victory for us all. After Chris had surgery to replace his hip and femur, the kids wrote "cheers" when he was able to come home from the hospital. They made paper "hugs" by drawing around their outstreached arms. The most amazing thing was that they never forgot about him--they asked about him every day! This was very important to him and he was touched that 7 year olds could be so caring.
The back and forth videos were wonderful for both the class and Chris. The kids acted goofy and he acted goofy right back. If it's at all possible, try to set up a way to e-mail the child (everyday if possible.) A web-cam would be nice. The most important thing is NEVER FORGET! Don't let a day go by without letting the child know that many, many people are thinking of him. This is one of the worst things about a catastrophic illness--people stay away because they're uncomfortable and then they stay away because they're embarassed that they stayed away. Keep updated pictures of the child (polaroid or digital) so that everyone can connect a face to the ill child.
Chris completed over a year of chemo in Dec. and had his last of 6 surgeries. His hair has grown back and he is making plans for the future. The kids that went through this with him are now in third grade and they are all the kindest, most compassionate children I have ever known. They still ask about Chris every time I pass them in the hall.
Please convey our kind thoughts and wellness- wishes to the child at your school. Tell him that a boy named Christopher Robin also had a fight with cancer--and he won!