Time-out for families with a parent who has cancer
Relaxation in difficult times – that was the goal of the time-out for families on May 9 and 10. Jointly organized by ANKKER, the service for children of parents with cancer at the NCT Heidelberg, and the Psychosozialen Krebsberatungsstelle Nordbaden (Psychosocial Cancer Counseling Center North Baden), ten families in which one parent has or had cancer were able to take a very special break. They spent two days at the Manfred Sauer Foundation in Lobbach, where they were able to leave their everyday lives behind, be active together, relax, and recharge their batteries.
In picture-perfect weather, a wide range of activities were on the program for parents, children, and teenagers: creative workshops, an exciting family rally, archery, jewelry making, puzzle games, and evening bread on a stick roasted over a campfire provided opportunities for conversation, community, and above all, lots of fun.
It was a valuable opportunity for everyone to spend time together as a family and network with other affected people in a safe environment. After two days full of positive impressions and encounters, the feedback from participants and organizers was clear: the time-out is really good for families, and the program should continue!
About the program:
When a parent is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family is affected. The emotional strain and changes to everyday routines affect all family members—it is not without reason that cancer is referred to as a “we disease,” meaning a disease that also affects those around the patient. However, support services often only focus on individuals.
To counteract this, the Psychooncology Department at NCT Heidelberg has developed a time-out for families. The two-day program with overnight accommodation is aimed at families in every phase of the disease. The goal is to provide a break – with relief, exchange, and experiences that strengthen the family.
The first break for families was offered in 2024, made possible by a private donation. Thanks to financial support from the Spenden gegen Krebs (Donations Against Cancer) program, the program can also be offered in 2025 and 2026.