How Play Defeats Cancer for Pediatric Oncology Kiddos 

Here at Roc Solid Foundation, if there’s anything we will shout from the rooftops, it’s this: “play defeats cancer!” We say that because when kids are playing, they aren’t thinking about cancer. In those moments, play has won. We may not be able to change the fact that they have cancer, but we can change the way they fight it—with play. 

Our belief that “Play defeats cancer” is true for the parents, siblings and community of kids fighting cancer too, because when they see their little fighter playing, they aren’t thinking about cancer either. When they see their kiddo playing, they can breathe deeply and know they are reclaiming just a little bit of normalcy.

While all that is true, there actually are physical, emotional and mental health benefits to physical, outdoor play for kids fighting cancer and for their parents. Play truly does defeat the darkness that cancer causes in both minds and bodies. 

Here’s how play helps kids fighting cancer:

1. Physical Strength and Endurance: Engaging in play helps improve muscle strength and cardiovascular health, which can be particularly beneficial for kids going through or recovering from treatment.
2. Social Interaction: Playing outdoors encourages interaction with siblings, fostering social skills and a sense of belonging, which is vital for emotional health, reduces stress hormones and supports healing.
3. Enhanced Immune Function: Moderate physical activity can support the immune system, potentially aiding in recovery and cell regeneration.
4. Improved Sleep Quality: Regular physical activity can help regulate sleep patterns, leading to better rest, which is crucial for recovery.
5. Connection to Nature: Being outside can promote relaxation and reduce stress, providing a peaceful environment away from clinical settings.
6. Routine and Structure: Incorporating play into daily routines can provide a sense of normalcy and control during a challenging and confusing time.
7. Physical Coordination and Balance: Activities like running, jumping or climbing can help improve motor skills, which might be weakened by treatment.

Overall, promoting physical, outdoor play can significantly enhance the quality of life for kids battling cancer, helping them find joy and normalcy during their treatment journey. Even when kids aren’t feeling up to too much physical activity, even just gently swinging on their playset swings or hanging out inside the playset can help regulate their nervous system by being in a safe, quiet environment that isn’t subconsciously connected to the hospital or their treatment. 

Outdoor activity offers several benefits for reducing anxiety and stress in parents as well, including:

1. Natural Stress Relief: Being in nature can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, helping to promote relaxation. Participating in outdoor play with kids can help parents combat fatigue and boost overall energy. 
2. Mindfulness and Presence: Nature encourages mindfulness, helping parents focus on the present moments with their child, which can help calm their nerves and create positive memories during a stressful season. 
3. Improved Sleep Quality: Just like for kiddos, physical activity can help regulate sleep patterns, leading to better rest, so parents can be at their best to care for their child. 
4. Connection to Nature: Being outside can promote relaxation and reduce stress, providing a peaceful environment away from the hospital setting. Fresh air, sunshine and outside sounds can help regulate the nervous system, helping parents find peace during the years their child is in treatment. 

Play can go a long way in boosting the spirits of kids fighting cancer and their parents

Since kids undergoing treatment for cancer have weakened immune systems, their bodies can’t handle the germs found on public outdoor play spaces like public parks and playgrounds. So we build backyard playsets that allow the family to experience safer outdoor play at their own homes. 

At Roc Solid, we are working hard to provide play to as many kids fighting cancer as possible to give them a safe place to play, forget about cancer and just be a kid. We know that when these little fighters are playing, their parents experience a time of rest as well, finding peace in knowing that their kiddos are safe and able to play like kids should. 

Join the mission and help us reach more families by donating here. 

Let more about our Playset Program here.