Winter 2008-2009 - Mayo Clinic

Will’s story
When 6-year-old Will Canan was diagnosed with a cancerous
brain tumor, a Child Life specialist helped his parents, Liz
and Tom, determine how to explain the condition to Will and
his sister, Katherine, then 8.
“Katherine asked me questions like, ‘Is cancer
contagious?’ and ‘Is Will going to die?’” says Liz Canan.
“The Child Life specialist assured me these questions were
normal and helped me answer them. Within 12 hours of
Will’s diagnosis, he was undergoing an eight-hour surgery.
We were emotionally and physically exhausted, and Will was
quite ill afterward. Child Life staff planned activities and
crafts for Katherine and took her to the playroom. Siblings
are often forgotten when they have a sick brother or sister in
the hospital. Katherine enjoyed this time, thanks to the help
from Child Life staff. They gave her undivided attention,
which we couldn’t give her then. It was an incredible support
to our family when we most needed it.”
During a recent visit to the pediatric subspecialty clinic,
Will ran into a friend who also has cancer. “As the boys
played electronic games, Will explained the particulars of a
treatment the other boy would be having — a treatment Will
previously had,” says Liz Canan. “He used language he
learned from Child Life staff. The conversation was so
casual and normal. Child Life staff helped ease Will’s
anxieties when he had procedures, and Will helped ease a
friend’s anxieties. I consider that a tribute to those at Mayo
who have provided his care. They included him in what
was going on with his illness and, as a result, he has been
an easy patient. He has handled his illness with maturity
and grace, free of fear.”
Will Canan (above) was treated for a cancerous brain tumor at Mayo Clinic.
His family includes parents Tom (left) and Liz (right) and sister Katherine.
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