In Our Community /
A book of jokes with a much deeper purpose than just laughter
year has been a difficult one for many Kiwis, but for the families supported by the Child Cancer Foundation, physical distancing and isolation is often their norm as they do everything in their power to protect their child’s weakened immune system. Isolation, heightened personal hygiene and life in a bubble is nothing new to these families.
A cancer diagnosis can come out of the blue, and it certainly did for Christchurch parents Jennie and Jeremy when they took their young son, Caleb, to the doctor four years ago. Caleb, then aged nine, had random headaches, nausea, sore legs and blurred vision, so Jennie wanted him checked. Within
The Child Cancer Foundation provides strength and comfort to
families, parents and children impacted by childhood cancer.
Each week more than three children in New Zealand are
diagnosed with cancer. They give personalised support to each
family through a one-to-one connection, helping with the big
things like emotional, social and practical support. But also the
little things they have probably never even thought about.
24 hours, Caleb had been admitted to hospital, received CT scans, an MRI and emergency surgery to relieve a build-up of fluid in his brain.
Jennie claims to be a ‘seasoned pro’ at life in lockdown after a four-year journey with her son’s childhood cancer. ‘He’s had 12 surgeries, beaten every set of odds against him and smashed every goal set for him. He is a miracle and a survivor and we are so lucky to have such an inspiration in our family.’
During treatment Caleb found respite in listening to and telling jokes to other kids on the ward. In April 2019, the Child Cancer Foundation set out to make Caleb’s dream of making his very own joke book come true with aims of cheering up Kiwi kids in need of a laugh whilst in hospital undergoing cancer treatment.
Going to school, seeing friends and extended family, and playing sports on the weekends are just some of the things kids with cancer have to give up for a while, hence the need for an epic kids’ joke book. Who knew that one year later, the entire nation would be living in isolation just like Kiwi kids with cancer do?
In April 2020, during the nationwide Level 4 Lockdown, the Child Cancer Foundation was unable to print the book so decided to make it a free e-book to share the love and LOLs to all kids and families around the country who were living in isolation too.
The parallels to what the nation has experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic are uncanny. ‘We’ve lived a first-hand experience of the reality many families face as their child is treated for cancer, often over several years,’ says Robyn Kiddle, Chief Executive. ‘Our support has continued through these uncertain times but with no government funding and a loss of income from months of cancelled fundraising events, we need your help more than ever.’
Download your free copy of Caleb’s Joke Book and/or make a donation on the Child Cancer Foundation website to help them continue to help families like Caleb’s. childcancer.org.nz