Brain tumors are the first cause of death in children, yet they have a better chance of being cured than adults. Unfortunately, the treatments often leave important disabilities that require early and intensive rehabilitation, which exploits the plasticity of the central nervous system of children, but which the public health service rarely offers. HELP IRENE Association to provide home rehabilitation services to children being treated for brain tumors at the Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital.
The diagnosis of a brain tumor has a dramatic impact on the quality of life of children and their families. As a result of the tumor and the treatments that patients undergo (surgery, chemo and radiotherapy), many children with brain tumors have focal motor problems, coordination and mobility problems. Most of the time the family finds itself alone in managing a dramatic situation not only from an emotional point of view, but also from a practical and economic point of view.
The neurorehabilitation process helps, through physiotherapy, occupational therapy and motor, speech and swallowing rehabilitation to manage and improve symptoms. It is difficult to receive these therapies from the public health system. Furthermore, the possibility of receiving therapy at home, in a familiar environment, reduces the stress of the child and the family and helps a faster recovery of physical and social functions.
It has been shown that home care for children, by reducing stress, facilitates recovery and social reintegration. Furthermore, thanks to the plasticity of children's nervous systems, many neurological deficits can be completely recovered if treated early.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
