I think we're all frequently impressed by what can happen when we as people come together, and this issue celebrates the varied communities we find ourselves in. We might live in cities, towns or villages that unite to support one of their own. Or we might belong to a sports club or special interest society, such as those seen in this edition, that provide opportunities, hope and a sense of belonging and identity.
Their positive impact and displays of community might be even more powerful and important to us after the experiences of prolonged isolation through lockdown and intensive cancer therapies, too. I think lockdowns also taught us the power of virtual exchanges and being able to gather in a safe digital space, to talk things through, offload and share advice, is also of great value.
There are other communities in the world of childhood cancer, which you might get a glimpse of from time to time. There are the tight bonds between staff that hold us together through the rocky times, and similarly, the closeness of families, whom, through their shared experiences, can offer support to each other having forged relationships during their children’s treatment.
And then there’s the community that CCLG provides, giving professionals the opportunity to find information, support and new ways of approaching problems, which, in turn, allows us all to build better across the country. It does this through a variety of special interest groups, national advisory panels and conferences and meetings designed to update and educate. There are also charities, like CCLG, which come together - drawing upon each other’s special strengths, skills and resources - to fund only the best and most promising research to have the biggest impact for children with cancer in the future.
What all our groups, gangs and gaggles do varies, but they all work to strengthen and uphold us. We all live our fullest with the support of others and are often empowered by being a part of something. The power of community is strong and can’t be overstated – so don’t be afraid to reach out and embrace it.
From Contact magazine issue 97 - Winter 2022
