We Can Cope

Evelyn Cook

“Cancer can affect the entire family in many ways, Children of all ages go through grief, sadness, frustration, despair, depression and loss over a loved one with cancer. This group was created for teens that have parents or a loved one with cancer Or have lost a loved one to cancer. At We Can Cope, you will find friendship, understanding, education and support. Together we can support one another,” Jones shared.

Sophomore Helena Ann Jones has been dealing with the emotional effects of cancer since she was six years old, when her dad was diagnosed. “When you have a loved one that has cancer or any other illness, it impacts the entire family. You struggle with the diagnosis – shock; ‘Am I going to get this too?’ jump through your thoughts – fear/ anxiety;  then you start to grieve your losses. You are given more responsibilities and you feel like your childhood is being ripped right out from underneath you. It is like you are on a roller coaster when a family member or loved one becomes ill.  You go up this huge ramp with shock from the diagnosis, then you go down the hill with anxiety and emotions, then you go around the loops with helplessness, anger, and grief. But the ride just doesn’t get to stop…,” she explained.

Based on her own experiences and needs, she created a cancer support group for teens called We Can Cope. “I started We Can Cope because there are no other cancer support groups for teens in Kitsap County.There seems to be plenty of support for adults, couples, spouses…but what about the children (no matter what the age, we are affected). It affects us more than people really know or think about,” Jones explained. “I would much rather ride this roller coaster with additional support from a group like We Can Cope. Together we can support one another and have fun while doing so.”

Jones has already put in a lot of planning to make her support group a reality. “My hope is to meet twice a month and talk/support one another.The first meeting of the month we can share thoughts, sadness and frustrations – so we can work together to be of support to one another. Keeping your emotions and fears are not healthy. It can lead to depression and even more anxiety when tragedy hits in the family. I struggle with this myself. If we are able to meet a second time in the month, I would like to have it be a fun meeting where we get away (movies, shopping, games, going for ice cream, etc),” she explained.

Jones wants the CK student body to know and understand that everyone is affected by cancer, “whether they have it themselves, a parent, sibling, grandparent, or even a friend…this group is ready to reach out and help others cope. Together we can support each other in many different ways.”