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NEW YORK-- (BW HealthWire)--February 3, 1999--The Leukemia Society of America is offering free to the public (by calling 1-800-955-4LSA) an updated version of the publication "Emotional Aspects of Childhood Leukemia."
Although aimed primarily at parents of children with leukemia, the information addressed in the 66-page booklet is useful and reassuring to families with children also affected by other cancers. It includes the writings and research of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, physicians and nurses on the effects of serious illnesses on the emotional lives of children and their families. Four new topics include:
Return to School Issues: Positive steps are outlined for parents, teachers, and hospitals to ensure a smooth re-entry for children when they go back to school.
Residential Camping Programs: The opportunity to take part in traditional camp activities can enrich a child's quality of life and boost self-esteem. It's a welcome respite for children and their families from the stress of living with cancer.
When Treatment Ends--Life After Cancer: Addresses the potential problemsand stresses a family may face when the child makes the transition from active treatment to a normal, everyday life without treatment.
Sibling Relationships: Serious illnesses affect not only the parents of the child, but the brothers and sisters as well. Coping tools are offered to help siblings adjust.
"Emotional Aspects of Childhood Leukemia" was compiled by Patricia Deasy- Spinetta, M.A., M.S., N.C.S.P., John J. Spinetta, Ph.D, and Faith H. Kung, M.D.. Patricia Spinetta is the president of The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation and is a pioneer in the psychological study of children with cancer. She holds a Master's degree in counseling, and has been an adjunct professor at San Diego State University. She is now a school psychologist with the San Diego City Schools.
Dr. John Spinetta is professor of psychology in the Joint Doctoral Program of San Diego State/University of San Diego, as well as a consultant in the Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Monza, in Milan, Italy. He has contributed to the field of pediatric psychology for more than 20 years and has received numerous awards and grants for his groundbreaking research on the psychological effects of cancer on children and their families.
Dr. Faith Kung is the associate director of pediatrics at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.
The Leukemia Society of America, now commemorating its 50th anniversary, is a voluntary health organization with 57 chapters nationwide. The Society's mission is to fund research to find cures for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma--and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. For more information visit our Web Site at www.leukemia.org.
CONTACT:
Leukemia Society of America
Julie Farin, PR Director,
212-450-8861 or [email protected]