BTSNZ Launches Brain Box for Kids
Brain Tumour Support NZ has launched its first ever Brain Box for Kids
Brain Tumour Support NZ has sent out its first ever Brain Box for Kids - a children’s version of their hugely successful adult Brain Box.
Brain Boxes are care and information packages which the charity sends free to any newly diagnosed brain tumour patient or carer living in New Zealand who requests one. They contain vital information in the form of Patient Guides, as well as a range of gifts and practical items to help people through their diagnosis and treatment.
10 year old Mila is the first recipient of the Brain Box for Kids
Until now, parents of children with brain tumours who ordered a Brain Box have received an adult Brain Box which, while containing some useful information, was not specifically targeted to children. The new Brain Box for Kids is based on a concept developed by leading UK brain tumour charity, brainstrust. It has been adapted especially for New Zealand children and families by the BTSNZ team, led by trustees Moira Coatsworth and Sarah Gibb.
The first Brain Box for Kids was delivered to 10-year Mila, who recently spent weeks of recovery at Auckland’s Starship Hospital following surgery to remove multiple brain tumours. Shortly after returning home, Mila received a Brain Box in the mail overflowing with games, puzzles, toys and other gifts, including a handmade sock monkey and a donated Brainy Beanie.
“This gift was such a lovely surprise in her day and certainly gave her lots to do, and lots to be grateful for,” Mila’s mum wrote to Brain Tumour Support NZ. “Her favourite was the sock monkey, and the crystal bracelet and roller. She loves crystals and often uses them to relax,” she wrote.
Several of the items in the Brain Box for Kids have been donated by children’s charity Frankie to the Rescue. Michelle and Warwick Wood established the charity in memory of their son, Frankie, who tragically died of brain cancer in 2021 at just 3 years old. Michelle worked closely with the BTSNZ team to put the Brain Box for Kids together.
An important component of the Brain Box for Kids is the newly published education guide: Supporting students with brain tumours. The guide was written by BTSNZ trustee and retired child psychologist Moira Coatsworth.
“Brain tumours in children are rare and so families and schools are often dealing with challenges they are uncertain about,” says Moira. “When families told us how hard returning to school could be, we made the education guide for children and teenagers in Aotearoa our priority. This education guide is a resource for parents and teachers with lots of links to further information on how to address specific effects a child may experience.”
The education guide has already received positive reviews, including from Mila’s mum who wrote “I loved the Supporting students with brain tumours guide! As this is all still new territory for us, this guide will serve as a help to me and her teachers as Mila transitions slowly back to school.”
The education guide and the Brain Box for Kids are part of a suite of resources which Brain Tumour Support NZ is rolling out for families impacted by childhood brain tumours. This work is generously supported by leading Australasian footwear company FRANKiE4.