Take care of yourself
The transplant process is more like a marathon than a sprint. As you go through the transplant journey with your child, it’s important that you take care of yourself so you can stay healthy and be there to care for your child. Reach out to other family members, friends and neighbors who can support you.
“It was very hard to walk away, but it needs to be done so you are refreshed and ready to care for your child. Whether it’s going to eat or taking a walk, leaving the room a couple of times a day really does help with caring for yourself. Making sure you are taken care of helps you take better care of your child.”
- Dan, father of 3-month-old transplant recipient
Support for parents
Be The Match® is here to help you manage the emotional and physical stress you may experience when caring for your child after transplant. While caring for your child is your focus, it’s important that you take care of yourself, too. Along with a useful toolkit, you’ll receive free, confidential telephone support from a BMT patient navigator through the Be The Match Patient Support Center. Learn more.
Take care of your relationship with your spouse or partner
Caring for a child going through transplant can strain relationships. It can be easy to lose touch with your partner when you need their support and connection the most.
To help you stay connected:
• Carve out time just to talk. Agree not to talk about medical things, to give yourselves a mental break.
• Ask a trusted friend or relative to spend time with your child so you can spend time together as couple with no children around.
• Laugh together. You’ve been through a very serious experience. Give yourselves permission to take a break from thinking about transplant and recovery. Watch a funny movie or read a lighthearted book together.
• Do an activity together that you both enjoy, like going for a walk.
Talk with another parent
You may find it helpful talk with another parent who has a child who’s been through transplant. The Be The Match Peer Connect program can connect you with a trained volunteer who’s been there. No matter where you’re at in the process, parents like you are available to talk by phone or email, sharing their experience and tips. Request a connection.