Chemo Duck and the ASCEND Foundation
It is the goal of the ASCEND Foundation to utilize the Chemo Duck program to increase awareness about cancer to all those surrounding each child affected by cancer. ASCEND wants to empower parents and family members to raise their voice and let our society know the time has come to eradicate cancer. We should no longer have to watch our children suffer from this horrific illness, nor should we accept the fact that more than half a million Americans die every year from cancer.
Through private and public support, the ASCEND Foundation will be able to set up a Chemo Duck program at every pediatric oncology center across the country and provide every child suffering from cancer with a Chemo Duck.
Chemo Duck will become the mascot for a powerful grassroots program – the duck with a big heart and a bigger message – it’s time we joined together and spoke up to find a cure!
Mission & Program Goals
Use EDUCATION and EMPOWERMENT to support POSITIVE HEALING in lives touched by CANCER and create a UNIFIED VOICE to make understanding of the CAUSES of cancer a NATIONAL PRIORITY.
- To provide a Chemo Duck to every child with cancer, free of charge.
- To have each Chemo Duck registration lead to an advocacy effort that will be initiated by the CD provided with each Chemo Duck and facilitated by the ASCEND Foundation’s e-advocacy program.
- To have every governor make a proclamation in conjunction with a state’s initial Chemo Duck launch.
- To have a Chemo Duck program at every children’s oncology group in the country.
Meet Chemo Duck
Chemo Duck is a multi-purpose stuffed animal. He is a 12” stuffed Duck who comes dressed in hospital pajamas and a bandana wrapped around his head. Safely secured on his chest is a bandage with either a central line or a port (the vehicle used to take chemotherapy directly in the blood stream). On his arm he wears an arm immobilizer sometimes called a “No-No”. The arm immobilizer protects peripheral IVs, and discourages children from bending the arm to pull at bandages etc.
Chemo Duck is a cuddly pal who can provide endless reassurance for a child in a traumatic situation but he also serves a very important role as part of your child’s medical team. He is a powerful teaching tool to familiarize children with cancer protocol and procedures. Parents undergoing chemotherapy can also use him to educate children about the treatment they are receiving.
Chemo Duck is a unique approach to optimum communication and education for children who have cancer. First, as an educational tool to be used by the hospital staff to teach and prepare children for treatment through education, role-play and rehearsal. Second, as a means to empower the parent, restoring the role of caregiver and including the parent in the child’s health care team. Third as a companion, one that shares their journey and provides a tangible tool to help children learn what to expect as they undergo cancer treatment. Numerous studies confirm these programs often prove role-play and family involvement are the basis for a child’s healing.
Chemo Duck, is equipped to help children learn about their treatment, understand how different procedures work, and express their thoughts and feelings about what they are going through.
|
