Self-Care IS Empowerment
The MIP Self-care Kit*, it is important program we offer that helps an AYA to recognize their body is working fiercely to protect them physically and help them get better. It is a box filled with products and tools to empower an AYA to start to turn their pain into power.
We know that with cancer, moments of positivity and self-love can be hard for an AYA to find on certain days. A cancer diagnosis creates many changes, both to physical appearance and how an AYA physically feels. It can be hard to accept changes in energy level or appearance. Frustration and negative feelings are a normal part of a cancer diagnosis.
It is possible to Feel Better and Look Good during treatment. MIP Self-care Kits are available to social workers and child life specialists to give to an AYA, helping to engage in a conversation about the importance of meeting their body where it is in treatment. Through the introduction of self-care, an AYA can pay attention to what strengthens their reserve to help themselves to feel better. Research shows that regular self-care practices can reduce the adverse effects of stress, sleep disturbances and anxiety.
*MIP Self-care Kits are available to AYA oncology patients at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Nemours Children’s Hospital (Wilmington, DE). If you are interested in this program, please reach out to us at infothemipfoundation@gmail.com.