GIVE A DUCK

“This is such a great initiative. Coming into hospital and getting a central line in can be really scary. Having a new friend like Chemo Duck, who has the same line as the child, is a fantastic way to make this less daunting. The children can save up stamps to get new outfits and many bring them with them all the time. It is a small thing that makes a big difference and I am delighted that Give A Duck is able to provide these for all children with cancer and leukaemia.”

“Chemo Duck and Huggable Hope, provide a special pal for children living with childhood cancer. They are ways to show how your life is a little different, but full of fun and playful.
There’s a point of shared experience those ducks can exchange with others in their world.”

“As Play Specialists we find ways of reducing anxieties/fears in children surrounding medical procedures, Chemo Duck is something every child can associate with. Chemo Duck is an essential and vital tool in the preparation of line insertion; this is done in a non-threating way. Not only does Chemo Duck help us explain about line insertion but he also familiarises the child with medical equipment like syringes, blood bottles etc. Children utilise their ducks by taking them to school or showing friends to help explain what happens to them when they’re not at school.”

“Throughout the child’s treatment their tool becomes a friend at a time when they are feeling the most vulnerable and with the Chemo Duck outfits, the children can dress their ducks in clothes similar to themselves helping develop their attachment. This encourages the child to bring the duck to their hospital visit, as they want to choose them a new outfit – creating a positive role.”

“Huggable Hope provides a companion for all brothers and sisters at this scary and confusing time. Previous to Huggable Hope siblings would often ask if they could have a Chemo Duck too but wouldn’t always understand why they couldn’t, which just seemed unfair to them. However now we have Huggable Hope there is something for them to have of their own which they can find comfort in. Siblings will regularly bring their Huggable Hope along to the support groups we run which is lovely to see and shows what they mean to the children.”

“Our children and families love getting their duck.  It brings happiness in some of the saddest moments.”