Blog - Page 2 of 9 - Mikey's Way Foundation

Self-Care

April 3, 2023 3:00 pm

As a parent or caregiver, there’s nothing more gut wrenching than watching your child struggle with a cancer diagnosis. And of course, you want to do everything you can to help them. Thankfully, in addition to medical care, there are many valuable tools parents can use to help their children cope with cancer. And among them is a self-care plan.

Creating a plan with self-care strategies is a good way to help children feel emotionally and physically stronger. These strategies are particularly helpful for children when they are dealing with challenging situations like medical procedures or difficult treatments. A self-care plan empowers them to continue to be resilient and better able to handle future stressors. In fact, even practicing small self-care acts like deep breathing exercises can promote body and mind wellness and decrease stress.

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Journaling Through Cancer

March 1, 2023 9:00 am

A cancer diagnosis can be difficult, even exhausting to process. The treatment regimen is often physically and emotionally grueling. And it can be scary and overwhelming especially for kids. But research has found that putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard can be a powerful therapeutic tool. Journaling through cancer provides a vehicle for reflection and for sorting out one’s inner most thoughts. It’s a constructive way for your child to get feelings and emotions off their mind and onto paper. In fact, it can be an important part of self-care. Particularly as your child weaves through the uncertainty and fear that cancer characteristically fosters.

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A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

February 1, 2023 2:00 pm

Remember the expression, “A picture is worth a thousand words?” It’s that age-old adage which basically means that more information can be conveyed in a single still image, than with a whole lot of text. And pictures of our Mikey’s Way Wish List recipients clearly show just that. Despite the challenges they face, Wish List recipients from across the country share beautiful smiling pictures after receiving Wish List gifts. Their pictures tell stories far beyond what words could ever convey. You can tell from these picture that it’s true – a picture is worth a thousand words!

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Cancer Journey

January 16, 2023 12:00 pm

All kinds of people get cancer. Grandparents, uncles, neighbors, teachers and yes, even children. In fact, every year about 15,590 young people from birth to 19 years old will receive a cancer diagnosis in the United States. To put this in perspective, every day 47 families in the U.S. will learn that their child has cancer. And for those of us who receive this gut-wrenching news, life instantly changes as cancer catapults our child into their cancer journey.

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Healing Powers of Music

December 20, 2022 12:00 pm

Many a great musician have talked about the healing powers of music. For example, Prince described music as “healing.” He said that “Music holds things together.” And Elton John said, “Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours.” As can be seen by these comments, there’s no question, there are healing powers of music!

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Integrative Medicine

November 22, 2022 8:00 pm

Children going through cancer treatment have a lot to cope with. And integrative medicine may offer some relief. This practice includes natural, mind-body approaches to care for patients and their families. And while integrative medicine won’t replace standard medical treatment like radiation or chemotherapy, it can be used alongside it to help improve patients’ quality of life.

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The Power of Laughter

October 1, 2022 1:00 am

Mikey Friedman, founder of Mikey’s Way Foundation used humor to help cope with his cancer. Moreover, he felt that by being uplifting, high spirited and humorous he was able to live life without fear. In fact, he once wrote, “By not being afraid, I was able to live.” The power of laughter has been shown to have positive effects on our mental and physical health. And Mikey specifically proved repeatedly that a chuckle or two can provide an important relief valve. The power of laughter is no joking matter as Mikey illustrated not only for himself but for all those around him.

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Raise Awareness About Childhood Cancer

September 1, 2022 1:00 am

Childhood cancer remains the number one cause of death by disease among children in the United States. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This is a month to raise awareness about childhood cancer. Additionally, it’s a time to celebrate advances in childhood cancer treatment and survivorship care. Equally important, this is a time to honor kids with cancer and to remember the children we’ve lost. It is essential to raise awareness about childhood cancer because we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by this disease. Together we can work toward the golden goal when every child with cancer can live a long and healthy life.

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Thou Shalt Not Live in Fear

August 2, 2022 4:08 pm

Mikey Friedman, founder of Mikey’s Way Foundation, often used the written word to express his innermost thoughts and philosophical perspectives. Such as, in his essay, “The Touch of a Soul Mate, the Thrill of the Hunt” he speaks about probability and how we might choose to live in a random world. For example, here he draws from his experience with randomness, suggesting that “Thou shalt not live in fear.”

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Long Wait Times

July 7, 2022 3:15 pm

Let’s face it. There’s nothing worse than having a long wait time before seeing the doctor. And while it’s hard for just about everyone, it’s particularly hard on kids going through cancer treatment. Their calendars are already overcrowded with medical appointments. And more minutes at the doctor’s office waiting can only add to their angst. So, what can you do to make long wait times easier on both you and your child?

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