5 minute read
Local Spotlight The Dragonfly Foundation
Since 2010, the Dragonfly Foundation has been serving patients and their families affected by pediatric cancer. The Foundation’s motto is “We do what we can, when we can, as often as we can!” From creating happy distractions and memories to providing a home away from home, the Dragonfly Foundation helps to create a sense of normalcy in trying times.
Southwest Ohio Parent talked to Greg Vehr, senior vice president of development at the Dragonfly Foundation, about this nonprofit that’s helping families find a place to land after a pediatric cancer diagnosis.
How did the Dragonfly Foundation get started?
After enduring the grueling diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma stage 3 with their son, Matt, the Neitzke family felt committed to assisting other families going through childhood cancer experiences. Together, Christine Neitzke, her husband, Jim, and a friend started working with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital on how best to do that. Since then, Dragonfly has grown considerably and continues to provide comfort and joy to the families of pediatric cancer patients.
How do families connect with you?
When families are admitted to the hospital with a cancer diagnosis, they are given a big blue care bag from the Dragonfly Foundation. The bag contains personal care items and an application to become a Dragonfly. Additionally, social workers inform families about opportunities available to them outside the hospital. The family then decides whether to contact Dragonfly.
What impact does the Dragonfly Foundation have on the families it serves?
The impact TDF has on families fighting cancer is best said by the families themselves:
“Your generosity has given [my son] days when he can relax and forget about the enemy and the battlefield.” “[Dragonfly] helps you get through the day knowing you’ve created memories, other than being in the hospital and having cancer and having to be treated like you’re sick, all the time. It’s very important, and The Dragonfly Foundation has given us that.” “Dragonfly gave our family things to look forward to. If I look back at the last year, yes, my child had cancer and we were going through all these terrible things, but we also have all these awesome memories of seeing our children experience new things for the first time. Those would not have been true without Dragonfly.”
What do you have planned for the future?
Our mission is singularly focused on supporting families facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis. We strive to enhance those programs and services and make them available to more families.
How did Hall of Fame Reds Broadcaster Marty Brennaman get involved?
Former Reds radio broadcaster and celebrity Marty Brennaman lost a bet to Reds players and coaches about whether the team could win 10 straight games. His friend made him aware of Dragonfly and its mission, and Marty agreed to honor the Dragonfly Foundation and children fighting cancer when he had his head shaved after a Reds game at Great American Ball Park in 2012.
How can people help the Dragonfly Foundation?
Donations are welcome and will have an immediate impact on families. For more information, go to dragonfly.org.
First Time at Overnight Camp
Prepare your child for an independent, fun-filled overnight camp experience.
One of the many joys of parenthood is helping children navigate new waters. And, while often these situations are met with hesitation, slight anxiety — or in the case of some first-time campers, homesickness — it is these moments that develop the skills needed in adulthood. New situations, such as going away to camp, serve as teachers in life’s classroom — developing leadership, self-esteem, teamwork, independence, and problem-solving.
It’s important, even critical, for parents to help children overcome any feelings of hesitation in order to help them grow. Take camp, for example. From a child’s perspective, camp is fun, fun, fun! Parents know that camp provides immeasurable growth opportunities, and is a vital part of childhood. As the day approaches, even the most excited campers sometimes get nervous about being away from home.
“Homesickness is completely normal,” says Michael Thompson, consultant, author and psychologist. “If a child loves his or her parents and has a good home, why wouldn’t he or she feel some longing for mom, for dad, for the dog, or for home cooking?” It is up to parents to help ease the transition to camp, and help their children grow from the experience. The American Camp Association suggests the following advice to help alleviate anxiety and get a jump start on life’s lessons.
· Encourage independence
throughout the year. Practice
separations, such as sleepovers at a friend's house, can simulate the camp environment.
· Discuss what to expect at camp before leaving for camp.
Consider role-playing anticipated situations, such as using a flashlight to find the bathroom.
· Reach an agreement ahead of time on calling each
other, but make sure to honor the camp’s policy on phone calls.
· Involve children in the process of preparing for camp.
The more they own the decision, the more comfortable they will feel being at camp.
· Understand the camp’s philosophy on how issues, such as homesickness, are
addressed. Talk candidly with the camp director to understand his /her perspective on the adjustment to camp life.
· Send a note or care package ahead of time to arrive the first day of camp.
Acknowledge missing your child, in a positive way. For example, saying "I am going to miss you, but I know that you will have a good time at camp," lets the camper know that families are thinking about them, but confident in their ability to adapt to camp.
· Pack a personal item or
two from home, such as a stuffed animal.
· Avoid bribing behaviors.
Families send the wrong message when they link a successful stay at camp to a material object. Families should focus on the real rewards — like new found confidence and independence.
· Don’t plan an exit
strategy. If a "rescue call" comes from the child, offer calm reassurance and put the time frame into perspective.
While most incidents of homesickness pass quickly, parents know their child best. If parents have concerns (for example, the child is not eating or sleeping, or appears overly anxious), they should immediately talk to their camp director. Camp staff are trained to identify and ease homesickness, and are a valuable resource for parents, as well as campers.
Adapted and reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association. ©2022, American Camping Association, Inc.
