Play Therapy’s role in Maddie’s recovery

“It was gut wrenching and terrifying to be told your daughter has cancer,” Monique said. “I noticed her sleeping was restless and she had an extreme temperature. After several GP appointments, blood tests and scans, a massive tumour was found behind Maddie’s stomach. The cancer was already spreading to her hips and shoulders.”

Monique recalled, “One day a doctor pulled me aside and said to me, ‘What is happening is devastating, but Maddie’s world is you and play and you’re going to give that to her’. “I had to put away my fears and concerns, and act to Maddie like this is what you do at two-and-a-half years old! She had nothing to compare it to. Together with Chelsea, I tried to make being in hospital seem like it was ‘normal’. Play helped us do this and broke up the horrible feeling of being stuck in hospital. I don’t think Maddie ever felt like that. Through play she was always occupied and stimulated.”