Support from Others
Peace through prayer: Many people find strength in family, friends, and God. Some kids say that praying— by themselves, with a family member, or with a hospital chaplain—gives them hope and strength to fight their disease. If you belong to a youth group, praying with your leader or group members on the phone may also give you comfort.
Connect through computers: If your hospital has the equipment, you may be able to e-mail family and friends or chat on-line with your classmates or other hospitalized kids across the country.

21a.jpg (57425 bytes) Keep Spirits High
Here are some ways to keep a positive attitude, day in and day out. Just as a bad mood may make you feel sicker, humor helps heal.Ask family and friends to send you cards, letters, or videotapes that make you laugh. Hang a schedule of your daily activities on your wall and ask your caregivers to respect your private times. This will help you get more done and give you more control over how you spend your days.
Set Goals
Your doctors and nurses can help you set goals to achieve each day, such as blood count goals. Ask them to let you know every time progress is made-no matter how small. Make a chart that shows your progress, and hang it on the wall to help you focus on your goals.

.“We rented one movie that made me laugh so hard I didn’t feel the bad effects of my medicine. I just felt so much better. Laughter definitely helps!
“My schedule made it easier for me to do the hard things. Instead of being tempted to skip things, I knew they’d help me get better. If it was on the schedule, it had to be done.”

Age 15, 5 years after transplant

"I had a stuffed bear that played relaxation tapes. I listened to different ones every night. It made going to sleep much easier."
Age 13, 1 year after transplant