Rooms Around the World
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Zoo Trips: Palliative Support for Children and Their FamiliesSubmitted by: Marie Macková, , Ph.D., RSW, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic Malignant diseases are not exceptional. During the course of life they affect every third citizen in the Czech Republic. Malignant tumours are also routinely diagnosed in children. The results of therapy are not dependent only on biological treatment but also on the mental condition of the children and on their social environment. The disease represents considerable psychological burden for both the parents and the children. The children experience pain, they have to undergo demanding diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and witness the deaths of their friends. Therefore every pleasant change in their therapeutic regimen is welcomed not only by the children but also by their parents. In June 1997 a Children´s Day was organized for children from the oncological department. This event brought a lot of enjoyment to the children and motivated them in other activities, for instance, painting pictures. It also initiated regular visits to the Zoo in Brno at the invitation of the resident tiger whose pavilion is right next to the restaurant where the children stop for a warm snack.  With the permission of their doctors and parents, the children visit the zoo monthly. In the course of 10 years, 275 children have visited the Zoo, many of them repeatedly. Thanks to sponsors and volunteers the parents and children get everything free of charge – entrance to the zoo, transportation, refreshments and small gifts.  Each time an interesting program is prepared for the children. During the walk through the zoo the children learn interesting things about the life of the exhibited animals and can even feed or stroke some of them. Children are always interested in the pony rides. In case of bad weather the program is adjusted but the visit is never cancelled. Twice a year the children travel to other zoos in the Czech Republic and thanks to the good will of the director of the Vienna Zoo, the cured children have visited the Zoo in Schönbrunn twice.  The visits to the zoo always have their continuation in hospital. With the assistance of students of special pedagogics children paint pictures of what they saw. The pictures were sent to Norway, to Mrs. Bìla Jensenová, who organized the children´s “Centipede”. She reproduced the drawings of children from all over the world and sent them as postcards. So the pictures have been enjoyed around the world. A short study was conducted in May 2008 whose aim was to get feedback from the parents of children included in the program. Ten mothers and six fathers of children with cancer were interviewed individually using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were tape-recorded for subsequent verbatim transcription. The data were analysed by the author using a qualitative content analysis without any predetermined categories. Both a manifest focus and a latent focus were used. The analysis revealed four manifest (descriptive) main categories: enjoyment, communication, relationship, and motivation. The first category had been expected: most people, either healthy or not, describe the visit to the zoo as pleasure or leisure. Visits to the zoo also improved communication and reinforced the relationship between children and the health care staff. Children were motivated to engage in other activities, e.g., painting or writing. The latent (interpretative) focus was on profound existential changes. The visits to the zoo symbolised health and hope. Psychosocial support in the form of visits to the zoo is provided not only to ill children but also to children who went through successful treatment. The program includes also families, whose children died. We believe that this activity brings positive outcomes in the mental condition of the children and of the people who accompany them. Dr. Marie Macková, , Ph.D., RSW, has a doctorate in hospice social work. She teachs at Masaryk University’s Department of Nursing in, Brno, Czech Republic, is a hospice consultant for the bereaved, provides educational seminars on end-of-life care and authors many articles. Dr. Macková is also now involved in building a hospice. If your organization would like to be featured in Rooms Around the World send us a picture and share a unique aspect of it with our readers.
Meagan’s Walk: Creating a Circle of HopeSubmitted by: Elizabeth Becker, Meagan’s Walk, Toronto, Ontario  In 2001, when five year old Meagan Bebenek lost her life to brain stem glioma, her mother, Denise, established Meagan’s Walk: Creating a Circle of Hope. The original and signature event, Meagan’s Walk on Mother’s Day, continues to grow larger each year, is for all ages and abilities, and also welcomes many dedicated walk teams.  Beginning at Ontario Place, and following a 5km. route, the event culminates with participants joining hands in a human “hug”around SickKids, a clear signal to those within that they need not journey alone. Meagan’s Walk now includes an annual Dinner and Dance Gala, a Golf and Spa Event, and enjoys the support of numerous community events, including school “purple days”, golf tournaments, “dress down” days, skate-a-thons, theatre nights and more. To date, more than $1.3 million has been directed to paediatric brain tumour research at SickKids.   Meagan’s Walk brings hope to those who need our support and encourages all in our community to make a difference for the health of our children.
For more information about Meagan’s Walk visit www.meaganswalk.com or email meaganswalk@sympatico.ca If your organization would like to be featured in Rooms Around the World send us a picture and share a unique aspect of it with our readers.
IWK: Equipment Loan ProgramThe IWK Pediatric Rehabilitation Service Equipment Loan Program was established to give families of children and youth who have a physical disability or acquired brain injury the opportunity to borrow a variety of resources. Equipment is loaned on a first come, first serve basis and can be borrowed up to two consecutive weeks, depending on demand. The Recreation Therapist reviews items and their function prior to borrowing and families generally arrange for drop-off and pick-up, although alternative arrangements can be made for special circumstances. A deposit of $50 is left when items are picked up and on their return, 50% of the deposit is returned. The remaining 50% is used for equipment upkeep and maintenance. The equipment available for loan falls into four main categories: - Adapted Bikes
- Beach Mobility and All-Terrain
- Recreation and Sport
- Swim Equipment
The IWK Health Centre provides care to women, children, youth and families in the Canadian Maritime provinces and beyond. It is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. For more information contact the IWK Equipment Loan Program or call the Recreation Therapy Department at (902) 470-7539. If your organization would like to be featured in Rooms Around the World send us a picture and share a unique aspect of it with our readers.
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