Our Story

About: The My Kite Will Fly program

The diagnosis and journey of cancer places a huge burden on a family.

The diagnosis itself can be overwhelming, the changes in work and lifestyle patterns are testing, and the subsequent treatments and outcomes are difficult to say the least. The children of those afflicted can often feel isolated due to parents attempting to conceal the sobering truth from them, or conducting whispered conversations whilst maintaining a facade of normality. However, to date, there is not a great deal of literature or aid for those wanting help in discussing the journey of cancer and the changes involved with their children.

My Kite Will Fly is a program that has been developed for clinical health care practitioners working with patients who are afflicted with cancer. Our aim is to encourage discussion within a family on the trauma and distress that cancer can cause. In particular, My Kite Will Fly concentrates on the use of channelled art & drawing with children to explore their emotions, giving them an outlet to express their feelings, whilst also giving health professionals insight into the child's state and the ability to provide hands-on coping strategies.

The My Kite Will Fly Program will include:

• A variety of activities tailored to suit the developmental needs and abilities of each individual child and explore their reactions and frustrations throughout their parents illness
• A personalised hard copy and online program book, once the child has completed the program, giving them the ability to share their story with family and friends, whilst also incorporating new coping skills into the regular program of daily living
• Guidelines and assistance for both parents and professionals working with children through the different stages of cancer: diagnosis, treatment and post-treatment.

The My Kite Will Fly program is designed for children aged 3–6 years old, 6–9 years old and 9–12 years old, and can be available for parents, grandparents and other family members who are concerned about children affected by their parent's cancer. Observation of channelled art provides health professionals a window into the minds of children, therefore determining future steps and milestones. The most important aspect, however, is that the very act of drawing becomes therapy in itself, and provides a child the ability to express what may not be easily said in words.