Boyd: The unseen struggles of single parents navigating childhood cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute , it is estimated that a total of 14,910 children and adolescents ages 0 to 19 will be diagnosed with cancer in 2024.

Parenthood is often seen as one of the most challenging roles, but when childhood cancer becomes part of that reality, the demands and stresses multiply significantly. For single parents, these challenges are amplified by the absence of a partner to help shoulder the emotional, financial, and logistical burdens of caregiving. Yet, despite the immense pressures, single parents continue to demonstrate extraordinary strength as they navigate this incredibly difficult journey.

Financial burdens

The financial toll of caring for a child with cancer is staggering. Between the cost of treatments, medications and frequent hospital visits, many single parents find themselves struggling to make ends meet. According to the National Children’s Cancer Society , the average cost associated with childhood cancer is a startling $833,000. Becoming a caregiver to a sick child is a full-time job, there are no benefits or pay for those who take on this role to help their child survive.

Even with insurance, out-of-pocket expenses can be overwhelming. Transportation costs, household necessities and childcare for siblings add up quickly. These financial strains weigh heavily on families, but we also see how even small gestures of help can make a big difference. One mother recently shared how saving money on household supplies through our programs allowed her to buy a new tire when hers went flat. That tire made it possible for her to make it to her next cancer treatment, a reminder that even seemingly minor support can be life changing.

The emotional toll

The emotional toll of being a single parent is significant in any situation, but when childhood cancer is part of the story, it becomes nearly unbearable. These parents are not only managing their fears and anxieties but also shouldering the emotional weight of their child’s illness. They must put on a brave face for their child while quietly grieving for the normalcy their family has lost.

The isolation that comes with being a single parent intensifies during a crisis. Many feel they have no one to lean on or talk to, and that sense of loneliness only exacerbates the emotional burden. It’s important to provide emotional support to these families through community and connection. Whether it's a phone call, a handwritten card or a group gathering, it is nice for parents to feel that they are not alone.

Balancing work and caregiving

For single parents, balancing work with caregiving responsibilities is a constant challenge. When a child has cancer, doctor’s appointments, treatments and unpredictable medical emergencies can lead to frequent absences from work. Some parents are forced to reduce their hours or quit their jobs altogether, leading to further financial stress. Without the support of a partner to share the load, single parents often feel as if they’re in an impossible situation — torn between the need to provide for their family and the need to care for their child.

At The Singletons, we understand that while we can’t cure cancer or solve every problem, we can help lighten the load. By providing practical, everyday support — whether it’s grocery deliveries, cleaning supplies, or a meal — we allow these parents a bit of breathing room. This can be the difference between staying afloat or falling behind in their daily lives.

The role of community support

Community support plays a crucial role for single parents navigating childhood cancer, offering both emotional and practical assistance during times of immense stress. The support provided by those who care can serve as a lifeline in the midst of overwhelming challenges.

While this kind of support doesn’t directly treat cancer, it brings significant relief in other ways. Financial assistance, for example, allows parents to cover essential living expenses, alleviating some of the burdens that come with caregiving. This, in turn, contributes to emotional and mental well-being. The impact may not be immediately visible in medical terms, but it is no less vital.

For single parents caring for a child with cancer, the journey is filled with unimaginable difficulties. However, with adequate support, they can remain strong, loving caregivers. Communities that rally around these families offer not just financial aid but emotional reinforcement, helping parents endure and persevere through the most challenging times.

Together, their contributions help make a profound difference, one family at a time.

Editor’s note: Jody Boyd is founder and CEO of The Singletons, a Phoenix-based nonprofit that provides support to single-parent families battling cancer. To learn more about the organization or to get involved, visit https://thesingletonsaz.org . Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org .