The Power of Community
13thirty, A Community for Parents of Teens & Young Adults Living with Cancer
Most definitions of parenthood are variations on a theme – “The state of being a parent.”
This is a useful construct if you understand what it means to be a parent but for many of us, parenthood is an ever evolving, often terrifying, but always rewarding job. Most of us learn what it means to be a parent through trial and error until we settle into the role. After a while, we get the hang of it.
But if you’re a parent of a child with cancer, this quote probably resonates: If parenthood came with a GPS, it would mostly just say: RECALCULATING.
When your child is diagnosed with cancer, all bets are off. Each day brings new challenges and even greater unknowns. Everything you ever thought you knew becomes unclear and decisions once made without thought are now scrutinized and agonized over. Routine flies out the window, hospital procedures dictate schedules and sleep is brief and interrupted. Healthy eating? Forget about it. Many of us rely on caffeine, fast food, and the undying love for our children to keep going each day.
When added together – sleep deprivation and coffee overload, junk food and escalating stress – the toll on cancer parents is high.
As parents, we know taking care of those we love takes priority over self-care.
That’s where 13thirty Cancer Connect comes in. Thanks to a grant from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation and Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, our parents are making the time to take care of themselves. 13thirty Fit – Parents is a 12-month program offering physical fitness classes, gentle yoga, and free massage to help alleviate the burden of caregiving.
Just like our programs for teens and young adults, our parents’ programs are designed to help weary parents build a new peer community with others who understand. At 13thirty, everyone ‘gets it’, so words are often unnecessary. Support is free for the asking and the coffee pot is always on!
If you are a parent, come and visit our Center. We’ll give you the nickel tour and listen for as long as you need. Contact Steve at (585) 563-6221 to register for fitness or yoga and to make a massage appointment. Not only will you feel better, you’ll make new friends with like-minded folks.
You deserve that and more, don’t you think?
About the Author
Lauren Spiker is our founder, executive director, and chief visionary with a pulse on what’s happening in the world of AYA oncology. Her dreams are big and bold!