Sadly we have had some very sick children participating in Heartwell Foundation programs over the years. These are children with tumours and cancers. These children when they are referred to us, turn up our at door looking pale and fragile and unwell. Often these children have had previous treatments of any combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. They are coming to us to regain some strength and condition. In some cases the children may have missed prolonged periods of school and have big gaps in their motor skill development. In some cases they just need some activity which is fun to help get them back into the swing of things!
For us and I’m sure for these children’s families also, their child participating in a specialised Physical Education program is seen as a very positive step forward towards good health. We at Heartwell tend not to think that anything bad could happen.
For most of the children that is the case and their health builds on an upward curve.
Sadly however there have been occasions where this has not happened, and some of the beautiful little children we are working with, have passed away. It is difficult to articulate how distressing this is for us at Heartwell. Usually with most of the children who come Through our Door we form a tight or special connection. This is reasonable when you consider that we usually work with a child in a one on one situation during a couple of sessions per week. In that time we often get to know the children quite well, we become friends. We get to know their families. Close relationships are forged.
None more so then when we know that how sick a child with cancer has been. The need to protect and help is very strong. Respect is really all you can feel as you watch that child try as hard as they can to complete tasks. The happiness as you observe improvements in skills or activity tolerance. Then the absolute shock and disbelief when you are told the heartbreaking news that the cancer is back. The sudden switch in our Heartwell program focus from teaching/developing to now having fun and playing.
There is nothing sadder than attending a child’s funeral.
I thank all the Heartwell families over the years who have allowed us to work with their children. I am especially respectful to the families who allow us to spend such precious minutes with their child as they battle such illness. To those who have passed away, thank you for the privilege of getting to know you and for ever becoming a friend of Heartwell and Scott and myself.
