By My Side

Dainere’s Rainbow are honoured to have been part of the truly unique and precious publication of ‘By My Side’. It is our hope that through this resource we have been part of team who is able to reach out to others during such an incomprehensible and difficult time.

‘By My Side’ is a resource that will help many bereaved parents to feel that they are not alone and will find solace in other bereaved parents words.

How does a parent really feel when their child dies from cancer?

Redkite has published By My Side, a new book in partnership with the Kids Cancer Centre that shares the experiences of bereaved parents.

Redkite CEO Jenni Seton says By My Side was created to bring comfort to parents who have been through this devastating experience by sharing the thoughts and experiences of other bereaved parents.

“We want them to know they are not alone, and that there are others in a similar situation. We also want to offer insight and guidance to the family and friends around bereaved parents, who so often want to help but are unsure of what to say or do,” says Ms Seton.

By My Side is comprised of interview excerpts from researcher Leigh Donovan’s PhD study at the University of NSW. Supported by Redkite and the Kids Cancer Centre at Sydney Children’s Hospital, the 2012-16 study explored the unique support needs of parents whose child has died from cancer.

Ms Donovan says, “As a community we have become better at talking about illness, but we’re still very uncomfortable talking about death. This can make things worse for bereaved parents; talking about their child is often the best way to keep their memory alive.”

The book was released on 8 August 2016, to coincide with Dying To Know Day – a day dedicated to start conversations around death and dying. By My Side gives suggestions about accessing professional support and how to engage family and friends.

Bereaved parents in the book speak of love, life, loss, grief, and hope.

Redkite offers By My Side to bereaved parents to keep, free of charge. To order, contact us at 1800 REDKITE (1800 733 548) or support@redkite.org.au or you can view the link http://www.redkite.org.au/support/book-club/books-on-bereavement.

Get your copy

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