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naccpo member
Society of Parents of Children with Cancer was formed in 1985. It was initiated by members of the medical staff at Birmingham Children's Hospital who approached a small group of parents - some who had a child with cancer, others who had lost a child because of it. They joined together to support each other and to help families of newly diagnosed children.
We continue to receive the full support of the doctors, nurses and social workers who care for our children.
The necessary chemotherapy & radiotherapy often make these extremely brave children very sick and treatment sessions mean frequent stays in hospital.
Side effects of the drugs used to treat the many forms of the disease include, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, weight loss, and a supression of the immune system that leaves them open to every bug and virus there is. Even the common ailments such as chicken pox and measles can prove fatal for our children. During this time families find themselves under enormous strain. We endeavour to help them in a variety of ways through what is probably the most traumatic time of their lives.
FUN FOR CHILDREN
Regular outings are organised for the children and their families. Legoland, Drayton Manor & the Pantomime, are just some of the days we have arranged. We have an annual get together, other treats include days out at sporting venues, pop concerts etc.
Our services are extended to all children with cancer at the childrens hospital and not just members of SPOCC.
How you can help.
Naturally all this requires money and although we arrange fundraising events ourselves we also greatly depend on donations and the efforts of individual SPoCC members, their colleagues, neighbours and friends.
You could help by:
· Individual gifts - these gifts are warmly welcomed
· Running an event - have fun & raise money
· Volunteering your time.
· Advertising/Sponsorship of our newsletters
· Legacies - the chance to leave a donation to SPoCC in your will
· Spreading the Word about us and our needs.
· Individual gifts - these gifts are warmly welcomed
· Running an event - have fun & raise money
· Volunteering your time.
· Advertising/Sponsorship of our newsletters
· Legacies - the chance to leave a donation to SPoCC in your will
· Spreading the Word about us and our needs.
Any money donated can be used in a specific area if requested, or alternatively to fund the whole range of activities the Society undertakes.
Many people are not aware that children can and do develop cancer - or that the intense and gruelling treatment they have to endure can last for many years.
SUPPORT
A number of parents are prepared to share their personal experiences and knowledge with newly diagnosed families to help them through the initial turmoil and give them the strength and purpose to face the difficult time ahead. A refreshment area in Oncology clinic is manned by our members.
Our mini-bus is driven by volunteers, and at the staffs' request we can help out where there are transport problems such as getting to and from the hospital. The mini bus is also used for trips and days out.
Flowers are sent to all bereaved families for the funeral and where possible funerals are attended by committee members.
Contact is maintained with other support groups and committee members regularly attend conferences concerned with childhood cancer. We also give talks to interested parties eg; schools, Lion Clubs, social gatherings, etc, in the hope that the more the public knows about childhood cancer the more sympathetic and understanding they will become.
WHAT DOES SPOCC OFFER?
HOPE
We emphasise that for most children there is every hope of a 'cure'. The success rate improves dramatically each year and an encouraging number of children do recover from many forms of cancer.
Contact with other families enables parents to see children who are fully recovered.
CONTACT AND INFORMATION
We organise meetings between the Oncology staff and parents in order to promote a better understanding of the many aspects of childhood cancer and of the help that is available.
We distribute a regular newsletter giving parents information, advice, news of events, recent developments etc.
If you would like to know more or would like to help, SPoCC can be contacted through:
smg.coleman@tiscali.co.uk
or SPoCC
ONCOLOGY CLINIC
BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
STEELHOUSE LANE
BIRMINGHAM
B4 6EN
Registered Charity No 700684
THE AREA WHICH SPOCC COVERS
1 Worcestershire
2 Herefordshire
3 Shropshire
4 Staffordshire
5 Warwickshire
6 West Midlands
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