On this International Childhood Cancer Day, I’m thinking about what it takes for a child to heal from cancer. The ICCD mission is to advance equality in access to care for every child with cancer, everywhere. But what should be included in that care?

When my daughter was diagnosed with leukemia at three years old, I was laser-focused on the medical treatment that would save her life. What I didn’t know then was that she needed more than medicine. She needed support for her whole, unique, complicated self as she navigated a life-changing disease.

That’s why I advocate for improved access to psychosocial care in childhood cancer as a board member of the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology (CAPO).

Based on my experience, I believe that psychosocial care should be available to the whole family. A child’s cancer diagnosis profoundly affects the health and wellbeing of parents, caregivers, and siblings from the moment of diagnosis long past the end of treatment.

Too many children and families struggle to receive cancer care that looks beyond the disease to see the needs of the whole person. CAPO is working to change that, and I’m proud to be part of that mission.