Nationwide

Stronger together: Q&A with Child Cancer Foundation

19 November 2024

News

For over 40 years in Aotearoa New Zealand, Child Cancer Foundation (CCF) and Camp Quality (CQ) have partnered together to support children impacted by cancer and their whānau. Inspired by their Q&A with Camp Quality General Manager Dave Bellamy regarding the history of this partnership, we wanted to take a closer look at what’s ahead for our two organisations. 

Child Cancer Foundation fosters the care surrounding tamariki who have been diagnosed with cancer. They support whānau, caregivers, medical professionals, and surrounding service-based initiatives in the oncology space.

CEO Monica Briggs and Team Leader Aliah Hussain from CCF share their thoughts on this enduring partnership, the critical role of volunteers, and the future of oncology support in Aotearoa.

What has kept the partnership between CCF and CQ so strong over the years?

Monica: I believe the partnership has endured because CCF and CQ share the same vision: to offer the best opportunities to tamariki during what is often one of the hardest times in their lives. This collaboration is built on mutual respect and aligned missions. Both organisations are deeply committed to fostering a supportive, empathetic community. We prioritise making sure families know about all available resources – not just for the child undergoing treatment but for the entire family, including siblings. The journey is incredibly tough and can fracture families in many ways. This partnership helps provide the needed support to navigate that new reality.

Aliah: It’s about the incredible impact these camps have on families. The camps are run exceptionally well, which makes it easy for us to recommend them wholeheartedly. Understandably, parents can feel apprehensive about sending their child away, but we reassure them that the experience is safe, fun, and transformative. The camps give the children something to look forward to, time spent with their buddies, and opportunities they might otherwise miss. During treatment, kids often miss out on so much – things they would normally take for granted. Camp gives them a week to experience high-energy, fun activities that they can’t usually participate in. It boosts their confidence in ways that resonate long after camp ends.

Monica: It’s also about giving families space to breathe. Parents often become very protective when their child has been sick, which is understandable. CQ’s stringent safety measures and quality control make it easier for families to trust the process and let go, even if only for a week. It’s a safe space for kids to have fun with peers who understand their experiences.

How do you see the future of this partnership evolving and growing over the coming years?

Aliah: One area we’re particularly interested in is offering more comprehensive support to siblings. We’ve learned through experience and extensive research that siblings’ needs can be  overlooked in this space, which happens because so much attention must be placed on the child undergoing treatment. We have already started some conversations with CQ on initiatives that offer sibling-specific support, and I anticipate even more close collaboration in this area with the Camp Quality team.

Monica: I think the other area we’re turning attention to is around sharing best practices and expanding or combining our volunteer opportunities together. Both CCF and CQ have such incredible and dedicated volunteer bases who give so much to our charities and the people we serve. There is definitely some potential to offer more cross-collaboration in how we engage those networks and resource future initiatives.

What role do volunteers play in the CCF, and how do they contribute to this partnership?

Monica: At CCF, our Family Support Coordinators, who are paid staff, stay with whānau throughout their cancer journey. However, volunteers play an essential role in complementing this work through our Whānau Connect network. This peer support system spans the entire country and is parent-led, involving individuals who have previously used our services. Volunteers facilitate connection through events like mums’ and dads’ gatherings, holiday celebrations, and more. Last year alone, we ran over 60 events nationwide to support and connect families.

Aliah: The dedication of our volunteers is remarkable. They help establish trust and provide a sense of belonging. Once a child is in maintenance or has finished intensive treatment, we introduce the family to our volunteer network. They receive a welcoming message, event invitations, and information through social media channels. This structured approach ensures that families feel supported as they transition into this new phase of their journey.

Monica: I’ve seen the impact firsthand. Last year, I attended a Christmas event in Christchurch, and it felt like a large family gathering. Everyone who attended shared a common thread, yet they were at different stages in their journeys. The atmosphere was warm and hopeful, underlining the importance of these connections.

What’s on the horizon for the broader oncology support landscape in Aotearoa, and what are you working towards to support tomorrow’s whānau?

Monica: One key focus is maintaining and enhancing our collaborative partnerships, such as those with Canteen and CQ. We recently became neighbours with Canteen in Auckland, sharing the same building, which has made spontaneous, everyday interaction more accessible for us. I do think that building strong relationships starts with simple conversations and consistent sharing of ideas and visions. And that’s exactly what’s happening right now across many of these incredible organisations. 

We’re also expanding our online programming to supplement existing support efforts and are revisiting our Children’s Voices initiative, which highlighted the perspectives of children on treatment and their siblings through photography. This initiative provided a space for siblings to express how their brother or sister’s illness impacted their lives. We hope to build on this by engaging other organisations in joint efforts, creating a more comprehensive support network for the whole family. 

Finally, the other topic right now is about where there might be future potential to leverage AI in our services. There may be opportunities to offer different types of support  even when staff aren’t available. However, this is very much in its early concept stage as there is a lot to consider around safety and quality of support.

Right now, New Zealand is going through a difficult time both socially and economically. How do you see the network of support groups rising to meet these challenges?

Monica: Resilience is at the core of our response. Internally, we’ve maintained financial resilience despite facing three years of deficits until recently. The foresight of past leaders ensured we had reserves to draw from, which allowed us to stay strategic and avoid crisis-mode decision-making. Sustainability is critical for continuing to serve whānau effectively and strategically.

Aliah: Consistency in service is also so important to us. That’s why we’ve learned not to be a “feast and famine” organisation. Even during COVID-19, while so many aspects of families’ lives were unstable – from hospital visits to parents’ job security – our support remained unchanged. It’s essential to continue this level of stability to reassure families that we will be there for them, no matter what.

Monica: Strategically, we move forward always asking ourselves, “Where will we have the greatest impact for the people we support?” To get there, we’re focusing more and more on how we can involve other organisations to help us amplify our reach. Collaborating, sharing resources, and staying mission-focused are more important now than ever.

Monica has a background in public health, philanthropy, and charities. She joined CCF in 2021 with a passion for the kaupapa of the organisation and their commitment to transforming lives.

Aliah has been leading the South Island CCF team from Christchurch for the last four years. She brings with her a wealth of experience in the cancer support space, and has a long history of referring whānau to Camp Quality.

Monica and Aliah’s insights reflect the shared dedication between Child Cancer Foundation and Camp Quality to not only meet but exceed the needs of the families they serve. Their vision for the future underscores a commitment to holistic, empathetic care that evolves alongside the needs of the community.