loft in downtown Toronto. We bring together new moms recovering from breast cancer and give them a chance to share with each other and get professionally facilitated group support from two outstanding psychologists. Meanwhile, the dads/partners are encouraged to come with the kids and participate in organized healthy medical play and expressive arts activities in an adjoining space. It is through our Support Saturdays program that I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of getting to know Morgan Livingstone, a fabulous and much-loved child life specialist that we recruited to develop and run the creative activities for our kids and dads. Her energy and enthusiasm is a magnet for the kids and her knowledge and sensitivity a saviour for the parents. While much of her time during Support Saturdays is devoted to the kids and dads, Morgan always lingers afterwards, happy to chat with any of the moms who have questions or concerns or positive observations they want to share. Through Support Saturdays, Morgan is also available to work with families in Toronto in their own homes. This is particularly helpful right at the time of initial diagnosis and during treatment when children are full of questions (or silent fears) about what’s happening. I’ve learned so much by watching and overhearing Morgan in the past few years. I really believe in her approach and have seen firsthand how children and their parents have benefited from her help. I so wish we could clone Morgan and send her out to families across Canada. While we can’t do that, this booklet is designed to bring some of her insights and helpful tools to families across the country and even around the world. I hope you find it helpful and we invite any feedback you may have for us about the booklet or about our work in general. MJ DeCoteau Founder and Executive Director Rethink Breast Cancer
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