September 21, 2022
We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Leucan to bring a novel project to life. Our two organizations, leaders in the Quebec’s oncology sector, will be offering art therapy workshops at no cost to the siblings of children with cancer.
This pilot project will begin September 27, 2022, with an initial cohort of two virtual groups of 4 to 6 brothers and sisters between 8 and 14 years of age.
Art as a support means to the entire family
Studies have revealed that art therapy helps children and adolescents to express how they feel about cancer and to reduce their anxiety. Art therapy groups, in addition to fostering creativity, allow for better understanding one’s emotions and taking a closer look at one’s inner feelings. The art therapy project, in fact, lends itself to Leucan’s desire to provide greater support to all family members who must deal with the reality of a cancer diagnosis.
“During exchanges with the Foundation, we had the idea of providing psychosocial support via art therapy activities to siblings who can often feel apart while their brother or sister are going through cancer treatments. This partnership appeared to be the perfect vehicle for Leucan to provide these youth with a special place where they could let loose and express freely what they were going through,” noted Élodie Bergeron, Director Family Services, Research and Partnerships at Leucan.
A pilot project spearheaded by experts
The Foundation strives to develop more diversified and necessary partnerships, in order to support people with cancer in every aspect of their lives that might be affected by the diagnosis. We were the first organization to offer art therapy in the field of oncology, providing personalized support with a professional art therapist in a setting conducive to sharing and listening.
“Partnering with Leucan was an obvious decision to offer even more adapted support, especially to young loved ones who also need help making their way through this difficult time. Through this therapeutic support, we are hoping to help children boost their self-esteem, break self-isolation and the wall of silence that too often exists following a cancer diagnosis,” stated Marco Décelles, General Manager at the Quebec Cancer Foundation.
The workshop model will be tested by two virtual groups this fall:
- The groups will be led by the Foundation’s art therapist, Lucie Sarrasin.
- A creative box of materials will be offered to each participant.
- The workshops will be offered free of charge, with all operating costs being equally shared by Leucan and the Foundation.
