When a mother are diagnosed with cancer her role evolves from being a caregiver to her children to a patient undergoing treatment- two worlds that are very difficult to merge. Audrey Guth, a cancer patient at the time, wondered how other women with cancer took care of their children while undergoing therapy. Acknowledging the many struggles mothers go through during this difficult time, she founded the Nanny Angel Network (NAN), an organization that sends out volunteers to provide free child care for mothers who are undergoing cancer treatment. Christel Heldwig, a nurse at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital and often the first point of contact for women after diagnosis, says that having this kind of resource provides reassurance, knowing that there are people who are willing to provide help throughout the process.
Susan Baptiste, a 40 year old mother diagnosed with cancer is receiving assistance from a volunteer Nanny Angel. Just like many other mothers struggling with cancer, Susan found dealing with work, taking care of her children, and undergoing radiation therapy overwhelming. Unable to pay someone for help, she contacted NAN. Her Nanny Angel volunteer, Corinna Bowes, helps her with grocery shopping, transportation to and from doctor’s appointments and taking care of her children.
Currently NAN has only 30 volunteers with a budget of $100,000 per year. This budget pays for one full time coordinator as well as travel expenses and supplies for volunteers. Although other locations could certainly benefit from this service, it currently operates only within Toronto. Guth states that women who do have access to child care are more likely to skip therapy. NAN is a valuable resource for many women and the demand for their services extends across Canada and the United States.
If you are interested in knowing more about NAN, please visit their website.
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