Thompson said that even the most well-intentioned friends are unable to cope with the details of what it's like for a parent of a child with cancer. But men and women handle them differently. But she doesn't know if they'll be able to stay in touch. Both have other children to care for. The daily grind is demanding.
Time is precious and fleeting.
That's an understatement, said Mary Butler, an oncology social worker at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters. Absolutely invaluable,'' she said. Butler said she's often been surprised at how quickly parents are able to turn from the first emotionally debilitating moment when they are told a child has cancer to becoming a warrior against the disease. Often, there's near-fanatical commitment. That makes events like Sunday's all the more valuable.