Parents of Alberta Kids undergoing cancer treatment have said to bring their own snacks

The Alberta Health Services is confronted with criticisms of parents who have children with ambulatory treatment on cancer on what seems to be a measure to reduce costs which now obliges them to bring their own snacks, drinks and other foods to clinics.

“These children are already going through hell”, so to no longer offer them icy pacifies, soda or other snacks “seems to be such a stupid and stupid thing,” said Amanda Moppet-Beatch, whose 11-year-old son Easton, is fighting for brain cancer.

She describes them as small pieces of colorful joy on what can be a tortuous day for children and their families.

Moppet-Beatch said that she had learned the new AHS policy on Friday when she took her son for her last chemotherapy series.

This can last up to eight hours and sometimes includes lumbar puncture to check the cancer cells in its spinal liquid.

The new policy is also frustrating for Bre Kagler, who has a 15 month old daughter who undergoes ambulatory chemotherapy for cancer in her two eyes.

“These children are going through a horrible and horrible period and you will remove food – from all things,” Kagler said.

Kagler and her toddler – whom she only wants to identify as “baby h” – can spend between six and eight hours in the hospital for each chemotherapy cycle.

“The main thing I find is that people consider the frozen lollipops as a reward, but a popsicle is not only a reward,” Kagler said.

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“It is a tool for nurses, it is hydration for the patient, it is a tool to obtain a relationship with nurses and it is also a distraction tool because these poor little patients are caused.”

Until politics changes, Baby H would also receive a small food set with a cheese sandwich, a cup of fruit and milk – now he is told that it is also removed.

“The challenge is these boyfriends, they have no appetite because of this horrible disease they live and when they have an appetite, it is something they should have access,” Kagler said.

“They cry out with pain and you will remove one of the few things that can comfort them,” added Kagler, while fighting tears.

A copy of the Memo Ahs, obtained by Global News, indicates that “patient restoration services will no longer provide food to non -innocent areas, such as diagnostic imagery, endoscopy, clinics IV, etc.

Exceptions include one day surgery, diet clinics and swallowing assessment clinics where therapeutic elements are necessary for clinical tests.

“In addition, hypoglycemia kits will no longer be provided; Glucose tablets should be obtained from the pharmacy if necessary. ”

The memo adds that “clinics are encouraged to remind patients to bring snacks, meals or money for food purchases” and, “most sites have automatic distributors or catering services and retail staff on the side can provide information on nearby food options.”

But Kagler said that buying food in the hospital or nearby is expensive, it is not always the best quality and that most are too heavy for chemiots.

“Whether it is a popsicle after a needle picolarization or a ginger to calm this nauseous belly, crackers when they cannot eat anything else – it seems that it is essential,” said Moppet -Beatch.

After learning the new policy, Moppet-Beatch took its concerns on social networks.

“What inspired me to write this post was because I had just listened to this two -year -old child, shouting not to want this stroke of needle to start chemo.”

The Moppet-Beatch post has since been shared thousands of times, some people even offering to give frozen lollipops and other snacks for children.

As part of a declaration provided to Global News on Monday evening, Ahs said: “These changes aim to limit food waste and guarantee that the available food goes to patients who need it. The icy lollipops and ginger beer are always available for patients in Alberta Children’s Hospital – Rumors of their withdrawal are false. ”

“There is no change in the availability of the popsicle in all pediatric areas and they will remain proposed. Other comforting foods, such as Ginger Salle, will continue to be provided according to specific decisions to the site,” said Ahs.

Asked about the change of policy at a press conference in Airdrie on Monday, the Minister of Health of Alberta, Adriana Lagrange, said that Ahs strives to “rationalize their food processes” and “disperse” it when she is medically required.

However, when he asked him questions about children who undergo ambulatory treatment for cancer which is not offered icy lollipops or other snacks, Lagrange said that she “would certainly examine it”.

“Of course, we want our children to be taken care of,” said Lagrange.

“We want everyone who comes out of surgery or important procedures to have what they need, whether it be the select of ginger, whether it is a popsicle, it is not the intention of what I understood.

“And if something is different, I will absolutely make sure to clarify it and ensure that these children get what they need.”

Moppet-Beatch said that his son had never wanted to be the poster for a campaign like this, but he is proud of her mother-and she hopes that it helps bring change.

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