Support for parents
There are many people who can help support you and your family throughout your child’s transplant journey. The staff at your child’s transplant center can answer questions and connect you with resources. The information below is a starting point.
Talk to your child or teenager about transplant
A blood stem cell transplant is physically and emotionally challenging. No matter your child’s age, they’ll need your support to navigate what’s ahead.
Take care of yourself
The transplant process is more like a marathon than a sprint. As you go through the transplant journey with your child, it’s important that you take care of yourself so you can stay healthy and be there to care for your child. Reach out to other family members, friends and neighbors who can support you.
It was very hard to walk away, but it needs to be done so you are refreshed and ready to care for your child. Whether it’s going to eat or taking a walk, leaving the room a couple of times a day really does help with caring for yourself. Making sure you are taken care of helps you take better care of your child.”
—Dan
Father of 3-month-old transplant recipient
Take care of your relationship with your partner
Caring for a child going through transplant can strain relationships. It can be easy to lose touch with your partner when you need their support and connection the most.
To help you stay connected:- Carve out time just to talk. Agree not to talk about medical things to give yourselves a mental break.
- Ask a trusted friend or relative to spend time with your child so you can spend time together as couple with no children around.
- Laugh together. You’ve been through a very serious experience. Give yourselves permission to take a break from thinking about transplant and recovery. Watch a funny movie or read a lighthearted book together.
- Do an activity together that you both enjoy, like going for a walk.
Talk to another parent
You may find it helpful to talk with another parent who has a child who’s been through transplant. The NMDPSM Peer Connect program can connect you with a trained volunteer who’s been there. No matter where you are at in the process, parents like you are available to talk by phone or email.
Prepare for the hospital stay
There’s a lot to do to get ready for transplant day, including preparing your child and any or their brothers or sisters so they know what to expect.
Help your child stay healthy after transplant
When your child comes home from the hospital, they’ll need to take many medicines, which can be a difficult process. There are some helpful tips to keep in mind to make things a little easier.
Get ready for going back to school
There is no set time in the transplant journey when your child will return to school. When they are ready, there are ways you can prepare them to have as smooth a transition as possible.
Watch Ava + Bo
Transplant is a complex topic, even for adults. The Ava + Bo animated video series can help you explain the process to your child who needs transplant and their siblings.
Need additional support?
Explore the full range of services we provide including group support, emotional and spiritual support, tips for healthy living after transplant and more.