At Cancer Starts With Can, we aim to provide you with resources, support, and a community of writing and art that you will always belong within.
"My Magic Wand a beautifully illustrated book for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It centers around a girl with cancer who uses her magic wand to make all her fears in the hospital go away! By reading this book, I aim to instill a sense of hope in patients and show them that there is always an upside to every challenge. I hope every child will close these pages knowing there are so many people around them to lean on and that, even during such a painful time, there is always a way to find happiness."
- Evie Herman, Founder & President of Cancer Starts With Can
While you may not be allowed to bring an alive four-legged friend, a good stuffed animal can serve as a great cuddle buddy and partner! Find one or even five stuffed animals to take with you to the hospital every day - they can become your support squad.
Spending a day at the hospital entails a lot of waiting and downtime. Therefore, having an iPad or other electronic device to use can make the time go by way faster. You can play games or find a show that you really love and plan to watch it every day at the hospital. The hospital can be loud, though, so don’t forget headphones!
Another great way to occupy your time is through art! Make sure to bring a notebook and some pens and pencils to use if you’re feeling creative. (Bring extra in case you want to share with other kids around you!) If you don’t know what to draw, a self-portrait, or picture of your favorite place or food are good places to start!
If you’re sick of both videos and drawing, reading a good book is a great way to relax while you wait at the hospital. Find a book series or a few books you’re really excited about and set out some time to read them each day. Some good books to start with are Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and the Magic Treehouse series!
It’s always a good idea to bring one or two small snacks with you to the hospital. If you don’t want to eat food from the hospital or need a bite to eat while you’re waiting, it can be great to have a little snack in your bag. Some good snacks could be fruit, granola, chips, gummy bears, or chocolate.
It can get pretty cold in the hospital. Therefore, you should always have a sweater or sweatshirt on hand no matter what season it is!
You may find yourself getting pretty tired during a day at the hospital. If you want to take a nap in the waiting room or playroom, having a nice blanket to fall asleep under is essential! Pack a small but super soft blanket with you every day before you leave for the hospital.
It’s easy to forget to stay hydrated at the hospital. Having your own water bottle makes it simple to sip water throughout the day, plus it saves you from having to wait for drinks in the cafeteria line!
Could be a fidget toy, a little car, or a rubix cube–anything that you enjoy! These toys are great for a long period in the waiting room, or to share with friends in the playroom. But, don’t worry if you forgot to bring one–I bet the playroom has plenty of toys to go around!
If you’re ever bored at the hospital, playing a good board or card game is a great way to pass the time! Monopoly, Clue, and Uno are some fan favorites!
