What if every milestone your child was supposed to reach came with countless curve balls? For Alexis Kaplan, motherhood quickly turned into a journey of advocacy, strength, and unwavering love as she navigated her daughter Gabby’s complex and rare health conditions....
Episode 52 | Nichole’s Story – A son fighting cancer with help from My Special Aflac Duck and Child Life
Podcast Show Notes
(This episode was developed in partnership with Aflac. I was compensated for this episode, but all opinions are entirely my own. #ad)
In this episode, Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist talks about the importance of a community for caregivers. She interviews Nichole who shares what her son’s experience with cancer has been like. Sara Stewart, Child Life Specialist at Lurie Children’s Hospital discusses how she supports children and families during their cancer journey.
Nichole refers to My Special Aflac Duck as a “game changer” for her son during his second fight with cancer. My Special Aflac Duck gives kids with cancer the chance to find joy through play. From feeding and bathing the duck to singing with it and hearing its heartbeat, this interactive companion helps kids find a distraction from their diagnosis.
Listen to more stories and find more resources for children, professionals and families at Child Life On Call.
This podcast episode is featured in Aflac’s “Do Good” community newsletter, which spotlights insights, ideas and individuals making a difference in the pediatric cancer community. Visit Aflacchildhoodcancer.org to sign up for their newsletter and register for a My Special Aflac Duck. Authorized professionals at licensed health care facilities can order a duck free of charge to give to pediatric cancer patients, age 3+, to own forever, and use with them during their cancer care.
You Might Also Like…
249:How to Talk With Children About Child Abuse [REPOST]- Jane’s Story
Knowing how to talk to kids about child abuse can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this impactful episode of Child Life On Call, host Katie Taylor interviews child abuse prevention advocate Jane Donovan—who also happens to be her mom. Jane shares her...
248: MERRF Syndrome and Motherhood: Raising and Remembering Dahlia-Jessica’s Story
"We followed Dahlia’s lead—and Dahlia was not going to let this stop her.” — Jessica Fein What happens when your child’s diagnosis is so rare that no one—including your doctors—knows how to help? For Jessica Fein, navigating life with her daughter Dahlia’s MERRF...