Starting a loving support group for children and mothers suffering from cancer; A review on “the fault in our stars” by John Green – from the surgeon’s perspective.
Having read the successfully published book by John Green, and watched the extremely popular movie, I can see why the modern day youth has taken such an interest in “The fault in our stars”. Cancer is a long-term battle that many individuals struggle to fight, but with the help of doctors, surgeons and psychologists, these individuals all stand a fighting chance. John Green has taken two very tragic cancer patients and has produced a love over cancer. Not exactly the most romantic setting but it was an ingenious idea. The problem created by making a film out of this book is that more children are aware of the sorrows that cancer can bring. It may seem hard to believe but sadly, not all cancer patients survive, which can be difficult for the patient’s entire family. I will always remember two words from “the fault in our stars”, those being “always” and “okay”. These words are said by key couples in both the book and the movie, implying that you will “always” have love and that you will be “okay” because there is always someone to help you through it.
What has now become a huge concern for doctors, surgeons and psychologists is how children of mothers that have cancer, even children that have cancer, have now translated this movie in their heads: Their mothers or themselves are not likely to be winning contenders. This movie, while important, can be perceived as a negative image for cancer patients globally, which is not helpful for recovery.
I know that my mom, Dr. Carol-Ann Benn is now having to deal with children and parents that are now in traumatic states after watching this movie. These poor patients and their children are phoning my mom desperately with questions about their treatments and how will it affect their family if the result is negative.
This is why my mom has decided to launch “The K.O.O.L. Club”, a support group for the children whose parents suffer from cancer. “K.O.O.L.”stands for “kids offering others love” and intends to do exactly that. It is not fair nor healthy for children to have to keep their feelings to themselves and this support group will allow them to interact with other children that may be suffering just as much as they are.
Remember: you will “always” have love and that you will be “okay” because there is always someone to help you through it.
Written by Tia van Loggerenberg