September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) and the perfect time to raise more awareness of the wellbeing needs faced by Children & Young People diagnosed with cancer.

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, medical care takes over and their wellbeing needs are inadvertently neglected. If left unaddressed, the wellbeing neglect can lead to longer-term trauma and family breakdown (Reference: The DLF). Today, many of our families struggle with the same feeling of disconnectedness, isolation and a sense of wellbeing neglect due to the fast-paced changes introduced to their child's health, wellbeing and social needs. Many children face disabilities and learning difficulties. Many of our family relationships break apart under the strain and stress of these complex wellbeing changes, yet soldier on.

Here's what one of our mum's has to say:

"When your child is diagnosed with cancer you feel so alone. You feel like no one understands and they don’t until they have lived it themselves. Having the DLF takes some of that loneliness away as you know you’re not alone, you have support and love along the way, it really makes so much difference to day to day life."

(Chantal)

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We believe more needs to be done to improve the wellbeing support available to our children. A child diagnosed with cancer requires complex wellbeing, health, educational and social care support that should be prioritised for alongside medical care, to ensure their holistic needs are addressed whilst receiving care. This needs to be secured free at the point of diagnosis and beyond.

Chantal shares more:

"Where do I even begin. The Daniella Logun foundation means so many different things to me. Since my daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumour 4 years ago they have offered nothing but kindness and support. I know I can call or text Angela at anytime with any concerns or questions, big or small, she welcomes me with open arms every time. Knowing you have a shoulder to cry on and an organisation who is there for you consistently means so much to me. They are not only that but the knowledge the charity has within the brain tumour community is fantastic. They help with anything from counselling to our children’s schooling, the list goes on. Angela and Terry provide a place you feel safe and loved and I honestly don’t think I would be where I am today without them. I’m privileged I can now call them friends and their work within the brain tumour community definitely doesn’t go unnoticed. I love you guys dearly."

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Add your voice. Write to your MP and request ring-fenced local and national government funding to sustain holistic wellbeing services that support our children and their families to help them survive a cancer diagnosis and rebuild their lives.

With your help, this can become a reality for more children in the future.

Join us on Saturday, 30th September 2023, between 1pm to 5pm, for a family fun day at St Matthew's Church Hall, Yiewsley UB7 7QH. Parking is available onsite and at Wilko nearby.

Click our live link now: https://dlfnewsletter.my.canva.site/

Thank You.

The Daniella Logun Foundation (DLF)