ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the development of an art therapy group for children whose families have been living with chronic illness. The art therapy program was developed by a “grass roots” support group for children with cancer and their families. The chapter deals with a discussion of participants’ personal growth as perceived by the parents, the children themselves and the art therapist. Childhood cancer is relatively uncommon: it accounts for less than 1% of all new cancer cases in Canada. Health care in Canada is publicly funded and administered on a provincial or territorial basis, with guidelines set by the federal government. Landmark holidays may be especially stressful for families living with childhood cancer. The force of the weather in drawings and paintings is somewhat contained by the challenge of organizing a scene, yet the amount of chaos mirrors the inner turmoil the child is experiencing.
