Navigating Pediatric Cancer: Finding Strength in the New Normal
If you’ve recently heard the phrase “the new normal” for the first time, or if you’ve heard it practically every day, you’re not alone. This phrase comes up constantly in the pediatric cancer journey, but what does it actually mean? How do families facing the unimaginable find a way to create their own version of “normal”?
A Message of Understanding
Eric Newman, founder and Chief Play Officer of Roc Solid Foundation, understands this journey intimately—not just as an advocate, but as a pediatric cancer survivor himself. Diagnosed at age three, he has lived through the uncertainty, the fear and the life-altering changes that come with this battle. Having spent the last 16 years supporting families through Roc Solid, Eric emphasizes one key truth:
Healing happens in community.
No parent, sibling or child should have to navigate this journey alone. Through years of walking alongside families at every stage of this fight, our team here at Roc Solid has seen how the idea of a “new normal” becomes a crucial part of survival.
What is the “New Normal”?
Let’s be clear—nothing about pediatric cancer is normal. It turns life upside down, forces families into situations they never imagined and brings changes no one ever prepared for. But in the middle of the chaos, finding a way to move forward is essential.
For many families, the “new normal” means:
- Living in uncertainty: The initial diagnosis can feel like being thrown into a storm with no warning. One Papa Bear, Kaelin, shared, “It’s the scariest thing in the world to be worried about your child and at the same time you don’t know whats going on. There’s no way that I can protect her even though I told her a million times that nothing bad would ever happen to her.”
- Juggling emotions and responsibilities: Parents are challenged with balancing fear, medical decisions, work and other children who still need their love and attention.
- Recognizing that life continues around them: While their world has stopped, the rest of the world keeps moving—bills need to be paid, school continues and daily life still demands attention.
Another Papa Bear, Jeremiah, shared how his daughter’s appearance changed due to steroids, making it even harder to adjust to what was happening. “After we got through the medications it took months for her to turn back into what we were used to seeing her as–sweet little Miah.” For them, the new normal was accepting those changes while fighting to keep their child’s spirit alive.
How to Create Your Own New Normal: Small, Manageable Steps
Instead of focusing on the overwhelming big picture, we encourage families to take small, actionable steps to adjust.
1. Break It Down into Bite-Sized Pieces
The road ahead may be long. Thinking about the entire journey at once can be too much. Instead, focus on one step at a time.
2. Stay Connected with Family
- Create family check-ins.
- Check in with siblings who may feel left out—a simple note in a lunchbox can mean the world.
- If one parent is at the hospital while the other is working, send a quick message of encouragement to stay emotionally connected.
3. Celebrate Small Wins
Every day has victories, no matter how small—whether it’s finishing a treatment, a day without complications, or sharing a laugh. Find and acknowledge these moments.
4. Try the “5 PT” Practice—Five Positive Things
Each day, write down five positive things—this could be:
- A caring nurse who made your child smile
- A moment of peace in the chaos
- A supportive friend reaching out
- A milestone in treatment
- A small joy, like a warm cup of coffee on a tough day
You Are Not Alone—Roc Solid Foundation is Here for You
Here at Roc Solid Foundation, we believe no family should face pediatric cancer alone. Whether you’re just starting this journey or if you are years into it, our team stands with you.
Your new normal begins with the people around you. Lean in to your community, your family, and the support systems available.
We appreciate you. We honor you. And we will walk this journey with you, arm-in-arm. For more resources and support, visit Roc Solid Foundation.
Check out this video made especially for families navigating the new normal after a pediatric cancer diagnosis.
Join our Roc Solid Families Instagram Channel for helpful and encouraging content right to your DMs. Click here to join and share the link with other families.
If you or a family you know is fighting pediatric cancer and interested in receiving a Roc Solid Ready Bag or play structure, let us know by clicking here.
