Puppets tell of cancer

A troupe of almost life-sized puppets visited St. John the Baptist Catholic School, Woy Woy on Monday, June 7, to help students gain a greater understanding of childhood cancer.

The puppets often visit schools where a child has recently undergone cancer treatment,.

They gave two performances to educate the children about cancer and leukaemia.

Camp Quality Puppets national director Ms Paulene Smith said the show aimed to reduce the risk of possible peer teasing, fear and ostracism when the child returned to school, by creating empathy among their classmates.

She said the show's scripts were based on the problems experienced by Camp Quality children returning to school after cancer treatment.

"The show is based on two puppet children, Kylie and Matthew," Ms Smith said.

"Kylie is bald as a result of chemotherapy treatment and Matthew has had his leg amputated because of a bone tumour.

"Through the performances, school children of all ages learn that cancer is not contagious and that friends can still play with children recovering from leukaemia.

"Under the spell of puppetry, the children can learn and ask questions about cancer without making anyone uncomfortable.

"With so many Australian men and women diagnosed with cancer at some time in their lives, children are increasingly exposed to the realities of cancer and life-threatening illnesses.

"It is important to dispel fear and myths so they can be understanding and considerate towards those affected."

Camp Quality is a non-profit organisation that provides a camping and support program for children with cancer.

The Camp Quality Puppet Show is conducted by volunteers and performs at schools on request, free of charge

The Camp Quality Puppets have performed for more than two million school children since the inception of the program more than 14 years ago, including more than 750,00 children in NSW alone.

Since it started in Sydney in 1988, the program has spread to other states and to Canada.

Press release, June 3 Kristine Easterman, Professional Public Relations