Authors:
Rachel Neufeld, NP(F), MN, CHPCN
Kira Goodman, RN, BsCN, MBA
Charlie Dazé, BA
The Sunflower Children’s Network, an initiative of Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration, is dedicated to advancing pediatric palliative care. The idea for the Sunflower podcast sprouted from thoughtful conversations among our colleagues within the network—an effort to share stories, insights, and learning from the field.
Recently, we were honoured to collaborate with Canada’s Pediatric Palliative Care Alliance to create a special five-part podcast series focused on equity-deserving communities in Canada. This collaborative effort brought together diverse voices from across the country to share personal stories, professional insights, and thoughtful reflections on how pediatric palliative care can be more inclusive and responsive to diverse needs. Together, we explored key issues impacting:
- Vulnerably housed and homeless communities
- Indigenous communities
- Disabled children and families
- Diverse socio-linguistic groups
- 2SLGBTQ+ communities
Across these powerful conversations, one message was clear: child- and family-centered care must be grounded in curiosity, humility, and trust. Families deserve to be met where they are—supported and heard through their own lived experiences. As providers, it’s essential that we adapt how and when we communicate, honouring the way each person processes information and makes decisions.
Care teams bring medical expertise; families carry the wisdom of their experience. When we meet in the middle—with open minds and flexible approaches—we foster true collaboration. Building trust isn’t just a goal, it’s a pathway to better care.
“Every child is a different kind of flower, and all together, they make this world a beautiful garden.” — Anonymous.
Check out the podcasts on Apple podcasts, Spotify or Youtube:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-sunflower-palliative-care-podcasts/id1704023845
https://open.spotify.com/show/3TXmWnrv0gZwgCnmvTZEfp
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-2dKIxHCUa6pQooOxk7tEUlO2nTY-P2A
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