When you have a child who is going through cancer, it’s difficult to give ample attention to many of life’s other demands — and that may include nurturing other relationships. Unfortunately, for parents caring for a child with cancer, the strain of the situation can really damage the relationship. Jayne Wexler, an NYC-based photographer whose son Justice is a childhood cancer survivor, said she saw many couples struggle and eventually break under the intense pressure.
“When we were in the hospital we met a lot of couples, and a lot of people don’t stay together because they can handle this,” Jayne told SurvivorNet. “Fortunately, we [she and her husband] were very strong and we stayed together.”
Jayne pointed out that she and her husband will always have fear for Justice’s health, given everything they have been through, but she said that they work through that fear together. They try to appreciate every moment they have together as a family, and they even attended parenting therapy to get through some of the harder times.
“There’s always some sort of worry,” Jayne said. “…We have to live each day and be thankful for what we have, and it’s hard to remember that when you’re caught up, especially in New York City, with all the craziness. It’s very hard just to sort of enjoy the moment.”
Still, they do their best — and they do it together.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
When you have a child who is going through cancer, it’s difficult to give ample attention to many of life’s other demands — and that may include nurturing other relationships. Unfortunately, for parents caring for a child with cancer, the strain of the situation can really damage the relationship. Jayne Wexler, an NYC-based photographer whose son Justice is a childhood cancer survivor, said she saw many couples struggle and eventually break under the intense pressure.
“When we were in the hospital we met a lot of couples, and a lot of people don’t stay together because they can handle this,” Jayne told SurvivorNet. “Fortunately, we [she and her husband] were very strong and we stayed together.”
Read More Jayne pointed out that she and her husband will always have fear for Justice’s health, given everything they have been through, but she said that they work through that fear together. They try to appreciate every moment they have together as a family, and they even attended parenting therapy to get through some of the harder times.
“There’s always some sort of worry,” Jayne said. “…We have to live each day and be thankful for what we have, and it’s hard to remember that when you’re caught up, especially in New York City, with all the craziness. It’s very hard just to sort of enjoy the moment.”
Still, they do their best — and they do it together.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.