Kindy in the Nook: Telethon launches online extension of playgroup to cater for immunocompromised kids

When Summer Bindon was diagnosed with liver cancer just three days before Christmas, his family’s world changed.

Instead of an exciting summer holiday, chemotherapy, fentanyl driping and pushed into the hurricane of the epidural-a reality that should not confront at the age of three.

His mother, Lex Bindon, said his daily care bag was not touched at home with a silent symbol of a childhood at home.

But now, thanks to the initiative financed by a new telethon, Summer has returned.

Kindy, initiated by the Kids Cancer Support Group and financed through Telethon donations, is a new online playground designed for children who are very sick to participate in person.

Summer and his best friend Lyder Thomas are a virtual class that minors can continue to learn, but most importantly remains interconnected.

This is a life line for families living with the first example of the species for WA and the isolating effects of childhood cancer.

Lex Bindon said, “Seeing my daughter barely breathing, she was connected to every machine you can imagine, it was a heartbreaking.”

Summer and Lyder first met in Perth Children’s Hospital halls – two small patients who were unrelated.

The bonds deepened during the face -to -face play groups before the disease physically separated them.

Lyder 4 -year -old has a rare blood disorder that leaves him extremely vulnerable to infections.

There are times when he can’t join Playgroup safely, but now he doesn’t have to miss it thanks to Kindy in NOOK.

“Child Cancer Support Group helped his mother Claudia Wade-Garcia to live the best possible life in the safest environment,” he said.

Twice a week, Summer and Lyder are now in a colorful, screen -based polite session.

When children complete activities at home, their work is sent and shown with other children, just like in a real class.

Richard Nell, President of Kids Cancer Support Group, believes that Kindy is much more than early learning in Nook – about inclusion, identity and flexibility.

“Children can sometimes be in the hospital for weeks and months, so if this happens, they can still continue to learn depending on a class and a part of the community,” he said.

“Children are building real friendships and ties in their polite classes, and in this way they can see their friends online.

“We believe in supporting sick children, so we feel that they are involved,

“When they miss so many things in the hospital for a long time, they experience such an early intervention in the development of children to prevent them from returning at school.

Uz We believe in showing children that they are not defined by cancer diagnosis, it is still included.

“They can still learn, play and grow, and still make friends with their peers.”

The virtual format reflects the group’s existing face -to -face play group that appeals to immunocomtic children.

However, this can travel to houses, hospital wards and otherwise the daily lives of children who can be left behind.