Eight Tips for Keeping Faith While Caring for a Sick Child

Coping Strategies for Caring for a Sick Child

By Hesham Hassaballa

My eldest daughter was diagnosed in 2003 with a genetic disorder called Ataxia-Telangiectasia (AT), a terrible disease that causes the part of the brain that governs balance to slowly deteriorate over time. Kids with AT lose the ability to walk, track with their eyes, and other vital functions. They can suffer from chronic infections and are at risk for developing cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia.

Watching our daughter suffer through the challenges of this illness has been extremely difficult. But we are trying to cope with it the best we can through faith, deep breathing, and help from family and friends. And we’ve come up with some coping strategies to help us keep faith and move forward even when problems seem insurmountable. If you have a sick child or know someone who does, these tips can help.

Hesham Hassaballa is a columnist for Beliefnet and a physician.