Bereaved Parents’ and Siblings’ Reports of Legacies Created by Children With Cancer

• DOI: 10.1177/1043454209340322
• Publication Date: 2009-12-23T21:33:22Z
• Authors: Terrah L. Foster; Mary Jo Gilmer; Betty Davies; Maru Barrera; Diane Fairclough; Kathryn Vannatta; Cynthia A. Gerhardt
• Keywords: Afterlife; Childhood Cancer

This qualitative study explored bereaved parents' and siblings' reports of legacies created by children with advanced cancer. Participants included 40 families who died from cancer, 36 mothers, 27 fathers, siblings (ages 8-18 years). Individual interviews were completed at home approximately 10.68 months (SD = 3.48) after the child's death. Content analysis indicated that many living cancer did specific things to be remembered, such as making crafts for others, willing away belongings, writing letters loved ones, giving special gifts. Some children, particularly those very ill or unexpectedly, not intentionally do say anything remembered. Legacies individuals remembering children's qualities, concern family, beliefs about afterlife. Having appeared motivate influence others' lives prepare their own deaths. Children's advice how live life inspired family members. Findings contribute current knowledge legacy-making in offer implications practice future research.