Managing Fear and Anxiety Together

This session focuses on recognizing common sources of anxiety and learning practical grounding and breathing tools. Parents will discover how sharing experiences can normalize fears, foster calm, and build resilience within the group community.

Intended Participants: This group is for parents of a child with a cancer diagnosis who are newly diagnosed, currently in treatment, or up to five years post-treatment.

Presenter: Darian Rogers-Sysak

Darian Rogers-Sysak, MSc, CCLS, RECE is the Family Coordinator at Gilda’s Toronto and a Certified Child Life Specialist. She holds a Master of Science in Child Life and Pediatric Psychosocial Care, along with specialized training in child development and infant and early childhood mental health.
 
Over the past seven years, Darian has supported children and families across hospital, community, and early learning settings. She uses evidence-informed, developmentally appropriate interventions—including preparation, play, coping strategies, and psychoeducation—to reduce the impact of stress, anxiety, and trauma. Her practice is grounded in compassion, cultural humility, and a strengths-based philosophy, aiming to empower children and caregivers while fostering confidence in navigating challenging experiences.
 
Darian is also deeply committed to creating emotionally safe, supportive environments for children and families, as well as her colleagues and students, believing that strong, compassionate teams are essential to quality care. Her commitment to this work is further shaped by lived experience: growing up with a parent diagnosed with a hereditary cancer syndrome, she brings empathy, insight, and a personal understanding of the challenges families face, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and supported.

Careful Steps Workshop: Navigating Childhood Cancer as a Parent (2/8)

  • Tuesday Mar 31 2026, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Zoom Meeting