Submitted by The Mayday Foundation
When a family’s life is turned upside down by a cancer diagnosis, there are many pieces to pick up. In Thurston and Grays Harbor Counties, families are able to turn to The Mayday Foundation for immediate, practical financial support. Now, this assistance extends beyond getting help with paying household expenses and into the emotional side of being a parent while coping with cancer.
“Along with financial assistance, The Mayday Foundation now includes a complimentary session with parenting coach, Emily McMason,” explained founder and executive director, Amy Rowley. “We are able to expand our support of the family past paying rent and mortgages and delivering gas and grocery cards and allow each family to access Emily’s vast knowledge of parenting techniques. Parenting advice and coaching is critical since most families have not coped with a health care crisis of this magnitude.”
Emily McMason, who holds a masters degree in education from Harvard University, is also a mother of two children being raised in Olympia. “A healthy community is one in which we reach out and care for one another. It matters to me to give back to the community in which I live, work and raise my children. My time with The Mayday Foundation families is an important way to be a part of our community response to caring for those affected by cancer,” said McMason. “My passion for parents and children makes working with The Mayday Foundation a natural connection.”
“Emily’s generous donation of time means local families can gain the emotional support they need to cope with cancer and still be the parent they want to be to their children,” added Rowley. “The first concern, when a parent is diagnosed with cancer, is ‘will my kids be ok, will they be able to recover from this upheaval?’ Providing access to a trained, professional parenting coach rounds out The Mayday Foundation’s support.”
For example, parents may choose to talk with Emily about processing the news, adjusting to new normals, redefining family balance and boundaries, help with understanding the reactions of those you love or imagining the family with a post-cancer perspective.
“A cancer diagnosis isn’t simply about our health—it is about our whole life,” added McMason in summary. “Our parenting role doesn’t stop when cancer becomes a part of a family’s life—instead it gets more complex. Spending time with families as they navigate these new spaces is an incredibly meaningful way for me to give back to my community. It’s an honor to work with The Mayday Foundation families and provide emotional support as well as practical tools for parenting as they cope with cancer.”
To connect with Emily McMason, visit the Evolving Parents website or call 360-951-0563. Coaching is available to individuals, couples or whole families.
To keep up with how The Mayday Foundation is making an impact in Thurston and Grays Harbor counties, visit www.maydayfoundation.org or follow the non-profit organization on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
