Unlike ordinary kids, kids with cancer are unable to engage in “normal “ play. They are unable to play outside ( as kids should do), unable to play active “playground “ or “street” games , unable to watch movies or go to places children would usually go to . Unable to just “run around “ or “mess around” with other kids. Neither do they go to school while under treatment . Kids with cancer often are alone for long , extended periods of time.

This is because they are prone to infections of all types. Because of their weakened state, even a cold (when it evolves ) can kill them. We have had kids who were on their way to full recovery (having completed treatment ) but lost their lives because they picked up an infection simply by playing with other children ( whom the parents were not aware was recovering from measles, chicken pox or just had immunization etc ) . or by getting hurt in a simple game. When under treatment, they can also be “physically “ unable to move around as they can be prone to nausea, vertigo, generalized feeling of weakness.

Kids with cancer are often not only home bound -- the hospital becomes their primary home /their daily route . They experience and battle extreme levels of pain during and after treatment . They wait inordinately long periods of time -- surrounded by those who like them are in pain or are in obvious stages of dying.

Thus, they need something that will keep them “entertained” and fully engaged --- something that will help them forget even for a little while that they are sick --- dying and worst, in unexplainable pain . Something to help them forget they are different.

Something that will help make them feel they are a kid . The multimedia gadget plays this role. It also becomes a companion as those of you who have been chronically ill knows that you oftentimes are not in the mood to talk/relate with anyone. Yes, it is for some others a luxury --- but in this case, it is a necessity.

Books will not do it (as researches on kids with cancer who are in treatment and recovery have shown ) -- it is difficult to concentrate – others may even suffer from double vision or unclear vision. TV , video games are unfortunately what can fully engage them as the multimedia effect can excite and get their focus /attention. This is why in hospitals in developed countries, they even have computers for each child with cancer, to keep them “distracted” , entertained and connected with the world.

The phone is a gadget their parents need to stay in touch with the world as they go through treatment and recovery. Why a phone with a camera --- that’s not only an “aliw” factor --- it can be used to capture the childs bruises, bumps as well as send a picture to medical team on how child looks. It also is a way to connect with their child --- keep them occupied. Two years ago, ICCPO ( an international cancer child focused foundation ) gave kids with cancer cameras so they could document their day and tell their own story. It helped them look for the nice part of their day rather than just the “blah” parts.

So do keep this in mind when you look at their wishes… Those of you who have not watched “Bucket List “ --- I encourage you to do so --- it’s the story of two “seasoned “ men (one rich , one poor ) battling cancer and facing the end of their lives … The bucket list started off as the “wish list” of one of the men. And as wish list goes , it was “the whole enchilada”.

So please do not think that kids with cancer are overly materialistic for asking/wishing for these things/gadgets ---- in their ‘unfortunate” , full of uncertainties , anxieties and pain –filled world – these are the easy things to think about….

Everything else is too difficult --- too unimaginable. When you are staring death in the eye and given the dire circumstances they find themselves in ( e.g their homes oftentimes may not have tv sets or cable for that matter; their parents/caregivers may become distant and depressed from the hazzle of making ends meet and finding a cure for their child; they have feelings they cannot share ) – I am happy that they can at least want to still play ….. I am not sure I would have that much courage and faith to live as though I still had forever . All the best for this season of hope and joy.

Menchie