Life changes in an instant any time a family learns their child is diagnosed with cancer, and with September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a light shines on a group of dedicated professionals who help make this diagnosis a bit more bearable.
On the oncology floor, at the various hospitals around the Valley, are certified child life specialists. Receiving a bachelor’s degree in a child life-related field, such as education, psychology, family studies or child development, in addition to receiving certification after a 480-hour unpaid internship, and taking a child life exam, you may become a child life specialist.
These pediatric health care professionals can be found in the emergency room and in surgery, as well as inpatient and outpatient clinics. Courtney Kissel is a child life specialist, on the oncology floor, at Cardon Children’s Medical Center, in Mesa. “The tasks to become a child life specialist may seem daunting, but if this truly is your passion for your career, don’t stop,” she stated. “It is beyond worth it.”
By 2020, all new child life specialists will be required to have a master’s degree in child life. Arizona State University is beginning such a program.
Child life specialists are responsible for providing psychosocial support for those families having received a diagnosis, and to help them learn coping strategies to deal with the future. “I can do this by educating patients about their diagnosis, help them find normalcy through play, and keep their emotional well-being strong through self-esteem activities,” Kim Froehle stated. Working hand in hand with the social workers, nurses and doctors, child life specialists are in most children’s hospitals around the country, on all different floors.
Psychosocial support is achieved in many ways, including play in the playroom and at the bedside, as well as through special events and activities provided by outside organizations. In addition, child life specialists prepare the child and family for procedures, help with understanding the diagnosis, and educate all involved as to what lies ahead. “Through play, I love helping parents see their child again,” said Jen Fleming. “I once had a mom tell me ‘thank you’ because all she could see when her son was first diagnosed was all the unfamiliar medical equipment near him and his changing mood due to his treatment.”
For Courtney, being a child life specialist has given her a new perspective on life. “It is amazing what you see the families encounter and how they persevere,” she said. “It makes you think twice about what is troubling you at the moment.”
A recurring theme from all these child life specialists is how resilient these children are, and how they handle everything so much better than adults. “Nothing stops them from still being kids,” Cathy House said. “No matter how sick they are, they continue to smile and play.”
Going through the day offers challenges for a family of a child with cancer. Courtney’s genuine and loving personality makes the days a bit brighter for her patients. “Hearing a family say, at the end of treatment, ‘This was the best thing that has ever happened to us,’ makes you realize you played a part in that process,” she said. “You have been invited into this family’s life, their deepest, darkest worries and fears, and have played a part in their healing by providing support and aid. When you hear a family say, ‘How can we do this?’ it makes you realize that being a child life specialist is a career worth achieving.”
Jessica Driving Hawk, also a child life specialist, appreciates the various aspects of the role she plays. “I love being present and witnessing the amazing bravery patients and families show us throughout their journey with cancer,” she stated. “We get to be there for the bad and good days, and help in making the good days that much better for the kids while in the hospital. I also love laughing with these kids. You would have never guessed the struggles they are going through, based on their amazing smiles.”
Without the expertise, gentleness, kindness and sincerity of child life specialists, visits to the hospital are just visits to the hospital. When a family is open to the role the specialist plays in the healing of their child, miracles happen.
For more information about child life specialists, visit www.childlife.org, or contact your local children’s hospital.