Being a parent of a child with a chronic condition is not easy. There is so much to learn, so many sleepless nights, medications to give, treatments to remember. There is constant worry and constant pressure to do the right thing.

For our children, there are teachers, doctors, nurses, aunts, uncles, grandparents, parents and caregivers to support them. But what about us? Who helps us through the difficult times and keeps us going?

The good news is that there is strength in numbers. Alone, we are isolated, afraid, uneducated and unappreciated. Together, we are supported, loved, appreciated and accepted. There is no one who knows what you are going through like another parent in the same situation. We are here for you, and we are here for each other.

No matter what your background, there is the common bond which we share: we are all trying our very best to make our children healthy, safe and happy. Please let us know if you are interested in becoming a part of a mentor program or support group. If you have any ideas for our speaker series, please contact us at email.

Speaker series:

Caption: Dr. Bob Perelli, Family Systems Theory

Upcoming Featured Member Event: Family Matters

In an effort to enlarge the scope of services offered to our Stone’s Buddies families, we would like to give you an opportunity to take part in a 6-week program especially designed to strengthen families with children who have been diagnosed with a chronic or life-threatening illness. This is a unique program not offered anywhere else in Western New York.

Dr. Robert J. Perelli, founder of The Center for Family Systems Theory, Inc., has designed a “family systems” based educational support group called “Family Matters.” This group will target issues that affect families with sick children. He will address these issues and help families to create coping strategies that will strengthen the marital bond, support positive sibling relationships, improve interaction among extended family members and give parents the opportunity to manage situations where they often feel they have very little control.

Six couples will have the opportunity to participate in the six session program. Dinner and child care will be provided for parents and children. All the sessions will be held at Gilda’s Club which is conveniently located 4 blocks from Women and Children’s Hospital at the corner of Delaware Avenue and West Ferry. There’s plenty of free parking. Applicants must attend all 6 sessions and will be selected on a first come first serve basis. Please call Joanne Koessler-Lana at 878-7272 ASAP to become a part of this worthwhile series.

Testimonial:
My husband and I attended Dr. Perelli’s course with the hope of finding a better way to communicate with each other. We both were aware that, as parents of a chronically sick child, our feelings and needs were often put on the back burner. As days turned into months and months turned into years, there was a tangible wedge we had created between us. During Family Group we learned that we were caught in a cycle that we could break. What we were surprised to find was that it was easy to recognize and to change. Since completing the session we have continued to practice what we learned and it has made us stronger as a couple and as parents, but what we were really surprised to find was that it helped our daughter to become independent. It really is the single most important thing we have done for our family, and I encourage you to take part in the Group.

– “Jennifer,” mother of a child living with chronic illness

Testimonial:
Participating in Family Group was a great experience for us. It gave us a chance to talk about our struggles and concerns with other families who understood what we were going through. Life is often hectic and overwhelming with a chronically ill child and these sessions gave us a chance to recognize and understand how our behaviors and family dynamics impact the situation, for better and worse, and began to give us insight into how we can communicate and relate to each other better. We had an instant comfort level with Dr. Perelli. He created an environment that enabled everyone to feel comfortable speaking about things that were often very sensitive and emotional, but we laughed a lot too!

– “Jack and Mary,” parents of a child with chronic illness