Ask the expertYour questions about keeping up with friends answeredYour reviews

Top films, books and shows

What do friends ask you about cancer? Let us know

Your pet stories Potty pooches and crazy cats

Win

Make your very own

comic strip

£10 Amazon voucher

Just send us your best pictures and stories

ShoutOut! Winter 2013 l Issue 3

Your views l Your news

Welcome to our winter issue of Shout Out!, the magazine that’s especially

for children who have cancer (or who have had it) written with your help.

This issue, the theme is keeping up with friends and classmates at school

during treatment.

Last summer we asked you if cancer and having treatment had made a

difference to your school life. After listening to what you said, and what

parents, carers and professionals told us, we wrote a new report called

No child with cancer left out. It explains how things could be made better in

schools for children who have cancer. You can read more about this on p8.

Your views are really important to us here at CLIC Sargent, and by telling

us what you think you’ve played a big part in producing our special report.

Thank you!

In this issue, on p6 our expert answers your questions about keeping up

with friends while you’re having treatment. On p13 you can read about how

11-year-old Alicia organised a school assembly about Hodgkin lymphoma

with her friends. Don’t miss the chance to create your very own comic strip

(p11) and, of course, to read your hilarious jokes (p19)!

Happy reading!

Alisha Thank you!A massive Shout Out! thank you to CLIC Sargent’s Children and Young People’s Advisory Group, who gave us loads of brilliant ideas, stories and drawings for the magazine back in December (loved the groovy dancing too, guys!). Thanks also to the children at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow for helping us put this fun-packed issue together.

An oyster can take five years to make

just one pearl

A chameleon’s tongue is twice as long as its

bodyThe Hawaiian alphabet only has 12 letters

Mosquitos prefer biting people with

smelly feet

An average person will spend 25 years asleep

In a deck of cards the king of hearts is the only king without

a moustache

Try this at home!Make your own slime

You’ll need some corn�our, a measuring jug and some cold water.

• Measure 200ml corn�our in the measuring jug and tip it into a big bowl

• Now measure 50ml cold water, add it to the corn�our and stir

• Pour some of the mixture into your hand and then squeeze it. It should go hard

• Open your hand and it will go runny again.

Add a drop of green food colouring if you like, but put washing-up gloves on so that your hands don’t get stained!

Don’t forget to ask an adult to do this with you if you need some help.

Letter editor

fromthe know?Did you

2 3

Welcome to our winter issue of Shout Out!, the magazine that’s especially

for children who have cancer (or who have had it) written with your help.

This issue, the theme is keeping up with friends and classmates at school

during treatment.

Last summer we asked you if cancer and having treatment had made a

difference to your school life. After listening to what you said, and what

parents, carers and professionals told us, we wrote a new report called

No child with cancer left out. It explains how things could be made better in

schools for children who have cancer. You can read more about this on p8.

Your views are really important to us here at CLIC Sargent, and by telling

us what you think you’ve played a big part in producing our special report.

Thank you!

In this issue, on p6 our expert answers your questions about keeping up

with friends while you’re having treatment. On p13 you can read about how

11-year-old Alicia organised a school assembly about Hodgkin lymphoma

with her friends. Don’t miss the chance to create your very own comic strip

(p11) and, of course, to read your hilarious jokes (p19)!

Happy reading!

Alisha Thank you!A massive Shout Out! thank you to CLIC Sargent’s Children and Young People’s Advisory Group, who gave us loads of brilliant ideas, stories and drawings for the magazine back in December (loved the groovy dancing too, guys!). Thanks also to the children at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow for helping us put this fun-packed issue together.

An oyster can take five years to make

just one pearl

A chameleon’s tongue is twice as long as its

bodyThe Hawaiian alphabet only has 12 letters

Mosquitos prefer biting people with

smelly feet

An average person will spend 25 years asleep

In a deck of cards the king of hearts is the only king without

a moustache

Try this at home!Make your own slime

You’ll need some cornflour, a measuring jug and some cold water.

• Measure 200ml cornflour in the measuring jug and tip it into a big bowl

• Now measure 50ml cold water, add it to the cornflour and stir

• Pour some of the mixture into your hand and then squeeze it. It should go hard

• Open your hand and it will go runny again.

Add a drop of green food colouring if you like, but put washing-up gloves on so that your hands don’t get stained!

Don’t forget to ask an adult to do this with you if you need some help.

Letter editor

fromthe know?Did you

2 3

Your reviewsYour shout!Send us a film reviewJust tell us: what you watched and who you watched it with, where you were (cinema, hospital or home), your favourite moment and anything you didn’t like. Write your full name, date of birth and postcode on the back and send it in the Freepost envelope provided – don’t forget to tell us how many stars (out of five) you give the film!Or you can email your review to us at shoutout@clicsargent.org.uk

Film reviewsI saw… The Three Stooges, PGTia, 11, from Wolverhampton

This film is about three brothers who try to raise money for a children’s home run by nuns. The three brothers do mad things to get this money. I recommend this film to people who like funny films.

Game reviewI play… farming gamesJack, 12, from Burford

On my computer I have a farming simulation game. You have to save up a certain amount of money and you can buy tractors, tools and even chickens, cows and sheep. It’s really fun and it feels like you’re working on a farm. I’d really like to work on a farm one day like my dad.

Showing soon at a cinema near you!Oz the Great and PowerfulCircus magician Oscar Digs accidentally finds himself in the fantasy world of Oz where people think he is a great and powerful wizard. Expect lots of spells, excitement and adventure!

Jack the Giant Slayer A young farmer called Jack leads an expedition up a giant beanstalk into the kingdom of the giants to rescue a kidnapped princess.

Your shout!Will you be going to see your favourite singer or band? If you are, we want to see pictures and hear all about it! Send us your full name, date of birth and postcode, and some information about who you saw, in the Freepost envelope provided or email us at shoutout@clicsargent.org.uk

DVD reviewI watched… Marvel Avengers Assemble, 12ACharlie, 13, from Pewsey

I watched this movie with my Dad. It was very cool and the funniest part was when the Hulk picked up the villain and threw him across the room.

Show reviewI saw… The Lion KingEmily, 13, from Romford

On my birthday I went to see The Lion King with my Mum, Dad and big sister at the Lyceum Theatre in London. It was amazing! The characters’ costumes were so colourful but my favourite part of the show was the music and the way they brought the animals to life on stage. I would give the show five stars.

Book reviewI read… Best Friends by Jacqueline WilsonTia, 11, from Wolverhampton

This book is about two girls who are best friends. Sadly Alice has to move to Scotland, miles away from Gemma. Alice meets this girl and she tells Gemma about her. Gemma doesn’t like the girl and thinks she’s trying to be her best friend. I loved this book and I recommend it.

4 5

Your reviewsYour shout!Send us a film reviewJust tell us: what you watched and who you watched it with, where you were (cinema, hospital or home), your favourite moment and anything you didn’t like. Write your full name, date of birth and postcode on the back and send it in the Freepost envelope provided – don’t forget to tell us how many stars (out of five) you give the film!Or you can email your review to us at shoutout@clicsargent.org.uk

Film reviewsI saw… The Three Stooges, PGTia, 11, from Wolverhampton

This film is about three brothers who try to raise money for a children’s home run by nuns. The three brothers do mad things to get this money. I recommend this film to people who like funny films.

Game reviewI play… farming gamesJack, 12, from Burford

On my computer I have a farming simulation game. You have to save up a certain amount of money and you can buy tractors, tools and even chickens, cows and sheep. It’s really fun and it feels like you’re working on a farm. I’d really like to work on a farm one day like my dad.

Showing soon at a cinema near you!Oz the Great and PowerfulCircus magician Oscar Digs accidentally finds himself in the fantasy world of Oz where people think he is a great and powerful wizard. Expect lots of spells, excitement and adventure!

Jack the Giant Slayer A young farmer called Jack leads an expedition up a giant beanstalk into the kingdom of the giants to rescue a kidnapped princess.

Your shout!Will you be going to see your favourite singer or band? If you are, we want to see pictures and hear all about it! Send us your full name, date of birth and postcode, and some information about who you saw, in the Freepost envelope provided or email us at shoutout@clicsargent.org.uk

DVD reviewI watched… Marvel Avengers Assemble, 12ACharlie, 13, from Pewsey

I watched this movie with my Dad. It was very cool and the funniest part was when the Hulk picked up the villain and threw him across the room.

Show reviewI saw… The Lion KingEmily, 13, from Romford

On my birthday I went to see The Lion King with my Mum, Dad and big sister at the Lyceum Theatre in London. It was amazing! The characters’ costumes were so colourful but my favourite part of the show was the music and the way they brought the animals to life on stage. I would give the show five stars.

Book reviewI read… Best Friends by Jacqueline WilsonTia, 11, from Wolverhampton

This book is about two girls who are best friends. Sadly Alice has to move to Scotland, miles away from Gemma. Alice meets this girl and she tells Gemma about her. Gemma doesn’t like the girl and thinks she’s trying to be her best friend. I loved this book and I recommend it.

4 5

Ask theexpertIn this issue CLIC Sargent Social Worker Liz East answers your

questions about keeping up with friends in school during

treatment.

Q: How can I let my school friends know what is going on when I am not at school?

A: People may want to send you lots of cards and letters when they find out you are poorly and, of course, you can write back to them if you like. If you have a phone, you can also phone or text your friends when you are feeling up to it. If it’s a smartphone you could ask your parent or carer to download apps like Skype or FaceTime. These let you see who you are talking to.

Some schools can set up a computer with Skype in the classroom so that you could chat to school friends during break time. You could also write an update of how you are, or get someone to do it for you, that could go on a school message board for your friends to read and send you messages back to read when you feel like it.

Read how Alicia spoke at her school assembly and raised money for charity on p13

Q: How do I deal with people, including my friends, treating me differently?A: When your friends find out you have cancer, some will want to help you and talk to you. Others may not know what to say or do, or even avoid you. You may also find that some people suddenly start calling you ‘brave’ or feeling sorry for you.

Try to be yourself. Let friends and other people know that, yes, you’re having cancer treatment, but you’re still the same old you. Stay in touch with friends and let them know when you’re ready to hang out and do the things you enjoy doing together.

Q: How can I explain what is happening to me to my friends?A: Your friends have probably got all kinds of questions to ask you. If you can answer them easily, and you’re happy to, then just tell them whatever you can. You could also ask your mum, dad or carer to help you explain things as well. Sometimes it might be possible to have a social worker or nurse go into school and explain to your school friends what is happening so they understand.Sometimes it makes you feel better to talk about what’s going on, and other times you may not want to talk about it at all which is fine. The most important thing is to do what is right for you – if you don’t want to, it’s fine to say you don’t want to talk about it or ask an adult to explain on your behalf. You may find that once they understand, they won’t feel the need to keep asking questions about your cancer but will just get back to being friends like before.

Your Shout!Do you have a question for our experts? It could be anything from staying healthy to advice on how to cope with your feelings. Send your questions in the Freepost envelope provided or email them to shoutout@clicsargent.org.uk. Remember to include your full name, date of birth and postcode.

Q: Can my friends visit me in hospital?

A: It depends. Sometimes cancer treatment makes you more at risk of catching infections, and the team who look after you at the hospital may not want you to risk catching any illnesses from visitors.

It’s important to know that your friends cannot visit if they are unwell, or have been unwell in the past few days. If they are unsure, they should check with ward staff first before visiting.

Sometimes you may feel really grotty and not want to see or talk to anyone, and that’s fine.

But, of course, it’s normal to want to see people from home. If you would like some visitors, and your doctors and nurses say it’s okay, you could get your mum, dad or carer to invite a few friends to come and see you.

6 7

Ask theexpertIn this issue CLIC Sargent Social Worker Liz East answers your

questions about keeping up with friends in school during

treatment.

Q: How can I let my school friends know what is going on when I am not at school?

A: People may want to send you lots of cards and letters when they find out you are poorly and, of course, you can write back to them if you like. If you have a phone, you can also phone or text your friends when you are feeling up to it. If it’s a smartphone you could ask your parent or carer to download apps like Skype or FaceTime. These let you see who you are talking to.

Some schools can set up a computer with Skype in the classroom so that you could chat to school friends during break time. You could also write an update of how you are, or get someone to do it for you, that could go on a school message board for your friends to read and send you messages back to read when you feel like it.

Read how Alicia spoke at her school assembly and raised money for charity on p13

Q: How do I deal with people, including my friends, treating me differently?A: When your friends find out you have cancer, some will want to help you and talk to you. Others may not know what to say or do, or even avoid you. You may also find that some people suddenly start calling you ‘brave’ or feeling sorry for you.

Try to be yourself. Let friends and other people know that, yes, you’re having cancer treatment, but you’re still the same old you. Stay in touch with friends and let them know when you’re ready to hang out and do the things you enjoy doing together.

Q: How can I explain what is happening to me to my friends?A: Your friends have probably got all kinds of questions to ask you. If you can answer them easily, and you’re happy to, then just tell them whatever you can. You could also ask your mum, dad or carer to help you explain things as well. Sometimes it might be possible to have a social worker or nurse go into school and explain to your school friends what is happening so they understand.Sometimes it makes you feel better to talk about what’s going on, and other times you may not want to talk about it at all which is fine. The most important thing is to do what is right for you – if you don’t want to, it’s fine to say you don’t want to talk about it or ask an adult to explain on your behalf. You may find that once they understand, they won’t feel the need to keep asking questions about your cancer but will just get back to being friends like before.

Your Shout!Do you have a question for our experts? It could be anything from staying healthy to advice on how to cope with your feelings. Send your questions in the Freepost envelope provided or email them to shoutout@clicsargent.org.uk. Remember to include your full name, date of birth and postcode.

Q: Can my friends visit me in hospital?

A: It depends. Sometimes cancer treatment makes you more at risk of catching infections, and the team who look after you at the hospital may not want you to risk catching any illnesses from visitors.

It’s important to know that your friends cannot visit if they are unwell, or have been unwell in the past few days. If they are unsure, they should check with ward staff first before visiting.

Sometimes you may feel really grotty and not want to see or talk to anyone, and that’s fine.

But, of course, it’s normal to want to see people from home. If you would like some visitors, and your doctors and nurses say it’s okay, you could get your mum, dad or carer to invite a few friends to come and see you.

6 7

No child

cancer left out - Thanks so much to

everyone who replied to

our survey in the summer

issue of Shout Out! about

your experiences of school

since you were diagnosed with cancer.

What questions have your friends asked you about cancer? For example, did they wonder why you were losing your hair? Or did they ask why you often missed school?

With your help we are hoping to develop information with answers to the kind of questions that friends and classmates ask about cancer.

Please write their questions down on this page, then cut it out and send it back to us in the Freepost envelope.

Here at CLIC Sargent we would like to develop some information to help friends and classmates understand cancer and treatment. We need your help! Go to the next page, and tell us what kind of questions your friends have asked you about cancer.

with

here’s what you said

If you, your friends or parents would like to see the results of the survey in our special report No child with cancer left out, you can download it at: www.clicsargent.org.uk/nochildwithcancerleftout

Over 30 of you responded to the survey which is brilliant. And 30 other children shared their views at an activity afternoon we organised.

What you told us:Here are some of the things you told us about how cancer has made a difference to your school life:

• For many of you, cancer and treatment has made a difference to your school life because you’ve had to miss a lot of school

• Some of you said that when you stayed in hospital you had a special hospital teacher, and that the lessons were good because they helped you to keep up with school work and stopped you getting bored

• You missed your friends when you couldn’t go to school, but that cards and phone calls had helped you keep up with what was happening at school

• Going back to school during or after treatment could be difficult, and that friends sometimes acted differently towards you when you did return to school

• Some of you had a teacher who gave you lessons at home when you weren’t in hospital and said that you enjoyed these lessons. Some of you also said that you hadn’t had any teaching at home at all.

Thank you so much for taking part – what you told us really helped us to understand some of the ways having cancer and treatment can change things at school.

My friends’ questions:

What do your friends ask you

about cancer? Let us know

8 9

No child

cancer left out - Thanks so much to

everyone who replied to

our survey in the summer

issue of Shout Out! about

your experiences of school

since you were diagnosed with cancer.

What questions have your friends asked you about cancer? For example, did they wonder why you were losing your hair? Or did they ask why you often missed school?

With your help we are hoping to develop information with answers to the kind of questions that friends and classmates ask about cancer.

Please write their questions down on this page, then cut it out and send it back to us in the Freepost envelope.

Here at CLIC Sargent we would like to develop some information to help friends and classmates understand cancer and treatment. We need your help! Go to the next page, and tell us what kind of questions your friends have asked you about cancer.

with

here’s what you said

If you, your friends or parents would like to see the results of the survey in our special report No child with cancer left out, you can download it at: www.clicsargent.org.uk/nochildwithcancerleftout

Over 30 of you responded to the survey which is brilliant. And 30 other children shared their views at an activity afternoon we organised.

What you told us:Here are some of the things you told us about how cancer has made a difference to your school life:

• For many of you, cancer and treatment has made a difference to your school life because you’ve had to miss a lot of school

• Some of you said that when you stayed in hospital you had a special hospital teacher, and that the lessons were good because they helped you to keep up with school work and stopped you getting bored

• You missed your friends when you couldn’t go to school, but that cards and phone calls had helped you keep up with what was happening at school

• Going back to school during or after treatment could be difficult, and that friends sometimes acted differently towards you when you did return to school

• Some of you had a teacher who gave you lessons at home when you weren’t in hospital and said that you enjoyed these lessons. Some of you also said that you hadn’t had any teaching at home at all.

Thank you so much for taking part – what you told us really helped us to understand some of the ways having cancer and treatment can change things at school.

My friends’ questions:

What do your friends ask you

about cancer? Let us know

8 9

Create your own comic strip – it’s easy and fun! Just invent some characters and use the frames below to create your very own cartoon story.

Getcreative

Your Shout! Win a £10 voucherSend us your picture, story or comic strip and you could win a £10 Amazon voucher! Just use the Freepost envelope provided or email a photo of you holding it to shoutout@clicsargent.org.uk. The winning entry will appear in the next edition of Shout Out! Don’t forget to include your full name, date of birth and postcode.

Your name:

Your date of birth:

Your postcode:

10 11

Create your own comic strip – it’s easy and fun! Just invent some characters and use the frames below to create your very own cartoon story.

Getcreative

Your Shout! Win a £10 voucherSend us your picture, story or comic strip and you could win a £10 Amazon voucher! Just use the Freepost envelope provided or email a photo of you holding it to shoutout@clicsargent.org.uk. The winning entry will appear in the next edition of Shout Out! Don’t forget to include your full name, date of birth and postcode.

Your name:

Your date of birth:

Your postcode:

10 11

Get

crafty Make a lantern with: Some coloured paper Scissors Glue or a stapler String

Fold a piece of coloured paper in half longways to make a long, thin rectangle

Make some cuts along the folded side, but don’t cut all the way to the edge

Unfold the paper and glue or staple the short edges together

Glue or staple it across the top of the lantern to make a handle

Find out how you could win a £10 Amazon voucher by sending us a picture of you with your lantern on p11.

Hang it up with a piece of string or, if you like, hang a few lanterns in a row along a long piece of string.

Cut a strip of paper 15cm long and 2.5cm wide

Alicia’s story

Alicia has now raised more than £1,400 for cancer charities.

Alicia, 11, from London talks about how she organised a school assembly about Hodgkin lymphoma with her friends and raised money for charity.

Last year, when I was in Year 5, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. It was really scary and the chemotherapy made me feel so weak. It just took all the energy out of me. For about six weeks I didn’t want to speak to anyone. I felt changed. Then I went to see my friend Millie and she really cheered me up. I realised that friends are important when you are going through treatment. You need someone to talk to. It’s no good keeping all your emotions inside.

I got really nervous before my first day back at school but I soon settled in again. My Mum gave me the idea of asking everyone to bring in £1 to raise money for a cancer charity. We decided to have a ‘Wear Purple to School Day’ for the Lymphoma Association. When I spoke to our Headteacher, Mr Brown, he suggested I do an assembly to tell everyone about Hodgkin lymphoma as well.

I wrote a letter to all the parents and made everyone aware of the ‘Wear Purple to School Day’. The assembly was on a Monday and my close friends Jaimee, Louis, Madhav and Ailis helped me. We had eight Powerpoint slides to show. One was about the word cancer. It’s a really, really scary word. Lots of people think people will die if they get ill with it. We also talked about living with Hodgkin lymphoma and the treatment. I felt nervous before the assembly but I had my friends by my side and, as soon as I said the first word, I wasn’t nervous any more.

Afterwards friends were really proud of me and Mr Brown said I had been very brave. Everyone was very supportive and I felt really happy. I feel more confident these days, even though I look different. I have put on weight and my hair is different, but I feel stronger. The motto I live by now is, “If I can beat cancer, then I can beat anything.”

12 13

12

3

4

5

6

Get

crafty Make a lantern with: Some coloured paper Scissors Glue or a stapler String

Fold a piece of coloured paper in half longways to make a long, thin rectangle

Make some cuts along the folded side, but don’t cut all the way to the edge

Unfold the paper and glue or staple the short edges together

Glue or staple it across the top of the lantern to make a handle

Find out how you could win a £10 Amazon voucher by sending us a picture of you with your lantern on p11.

Hang it up with a piece of string or, if you like, hang a few lanterns in a row along a long piece of string.

Cut a strip of paper 15cm long and 2.5cm wide

Alicia’s story

Alicia has now raised more than £1,400 for cancer charities.

Alicia, 11, from London talks about how she organised a school assembly about Hodgkin lymphoma with her friends and raised money for charity.

Last year, when I was in Year 5, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. It was really scary and the chemotherapy made me feel so weak. It just took all the energy out of me. For about six weeks I didn’t want to speak to anyone. I felt changed. Then I went to see my friend Millie and she really cheered me up. I realised that friends are important when you are going through treatment. You need someone to talk to. It’s no good keeping all your emotions inside.

I got really nervous before my first day back at school but I soon settled in again. My Mum gave me the idea of asking everyone to bring in £1 to raise money for a cancer charity. We decided to have a ‘Wear Purple to School Day’ for the Lymphoma Association. When I spoke to our Headteacher, Mr Brown, he suggested I do an assembly to tell everyone about Hodgkin lymphoma as well.

I wrote a letter to all the parents and made everyone aware of the ‘Wear Purple to School Day’. The assembly was on a Monday and my close friends Jaimee, Louis, Madhav and Ailis helped me. We had eight Powerpoint slides to show. One was about the word cancer. It’s a really, really scary word. Lots of people think people will die if they get ill with it. We also talked about living with Hodgkin lymphoma and the treatment. I felt nervous before the assembly but I had my friends by my side and, as soon as I said the first word, I wasn’t nervous any more.

Afterwards friends were really proud of me and Mr Brown said I had been very brave. Everyone was very supportive and I felt really happy. I feel more confident these days, even though I look different. I have put on weight and my hair is different, but I feel stronger. The motto I live by now is, “If I can beat cancer, then I can beat anything.”

12 13

12

3

4

5

6

Your stories and poems

BrightnessGrace, 11, from Hereford

Always look on the bright side of lifeAs I have had cancerAnd I am still alive and wellI had some rough timesBut I had support from the people I love the mostNow I am doing well from always looking on the bright side of life.

Friends Elisse, 12, from Glasgow

I enjoy going shopping with my friends. I like hanging out with my friends because I can have people to talk to. Even if it’s personal, serious or having a good laugh.

The story of the girl who lost her hairBy Isabel, 9, from Birmingham

Once there lived a girl called Isabel. She lived with her mum Jo, her dad Steve and her little brother Zak. They all lived happily in their cottage, but one day they had a letter saying Isabel would have to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy and her hair would fall out.

On Monday it was the first time Isabel ever had radiotherapy. Isabel had to go in a special room for the radiotherapy.

Isabel was really brave. She was the bravest girl in the whole wide world.

Isabel’s friend Emma, who is two, had chemotherapy as well and she had a feeding tube to help her eat more. Isabel’s other friend Poppy had both the chemotherapy and radiotherapy. When Isabel finished her chemotherapy and radiotherapy her school gave her a card.

She filled her radiotherapy mask with sweets the next day. Some people had two. Isabel had a party. She invited Grace, Holly, Kiera, Paige and Poppy. They went to the bear factory and made a bear.

They went to Pizza Hut to have something to eat and drink and then Paige came to play at ours.

14 15

Your stories and poems

BrightnessGrace, 11, from Hereford

Always look on the bright side of lifeAs I have had cancerAnd I am still alive and wellI had some rough timesBut I had support from the people I love the mostNow I am doing well from always looking on the bright side of life.

Friends Elisse, 12, from Glasgow

I enjoy going shopping with my friends. I like hanging out with my friends because I can have people to talk to. Even if it’s personal, serious or having a good laugh.

The story of the girl who lost her hairBy Isabel, 9, from Birmingham

Once there lived a girl called Isabel. She lived with her mum Jo, her dad Steve and her little brother Zak. They all lived happily in their cottage, but one day they had a letter saying Isabel would have to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy and her hair would fall out.

On Monday it was the first time Isabel ever had radiotherapy. Isabel had to go in a special room for the radiotherapy.

Isabel was really brave. She was the bravest girl in the whole wide world.

Isabel’s friend Emma, who is two, had chemotherapy as well and she had a feeding tube to help her eat more. Isabel’s other friend Poppy had both the chemotherapy and radiotherapy. When Isabel finished her chemotherapy and radiotherapy her school gave her a card.

She filled her radiotherapy mask with sweets the next day. Some people had two. Isabel had a party. She invited Grace, Holly, Kiera, Paige and Poppy. They went to the bear factory and made a bear.

They went to Pizza Hut to have something to eat and drink and then Paige came to play at ours.

14 15

Your gallery

Hats off to GraceWell done, Grace, 11 – she is the winner

of last issue’s Get Crafty competition. She made this amazingly bright hat and she also wrote the poem about Brightness on p14.

Congratulations to all our other budding

artists as well – here’s a selection of some of the brilliant pictures and drawings you sent us.

The SwarmBy Charlie, 13, from Pewsey Ruby’s origami hat

By Ruby, 9, from Exeter

HeroesBy Zane, 8, from Scunthorpe

SpongeBob SquarepantsBy Masiha, 12, from London

Moshi MonstersBy Jessica, 9

Speedy carBy Joshua, 10, from Margate

Barney the DinosaurBy Nigel, 7

16 17

Your gallery

Hats off to GraceWell done, Grace, 11 – she is the winner

of last issue’s Get Crafty competition. She made this amazingly bright hat and she also wrote the poem about Brightness on p14.

Congratulations to all our other budding

artists as well – here’s a selection of some of the brilliant pictures and drawings you sent us.

The SwarmBy Charlie, 13, from Pewsey Ruby’s origami hat

By Ruby, 9, from Exeter

HeroesBy Zane, 8, from Scunthorpe

SpongeBob SquarepantsBy Masiha, 12, from London

Moshi MonstersBy Jessica, 9

Speedy carBy Joshua, 10, from Margate

Barney the DinosaurBy Nigel, 7

16 17

Your jokes

Q: Why do ducks have webbed feet?

A: To stamp out forest firesQ: Why do elephants have

big flat feet?A: To stamp out flaming ducks!

Jack, 12

Q: What did the policeman say to the three-headed

monster?A: Ello, ello, ello

Alex, 10 Q: Where does an Eskimo pig live?

A: In a piglooNathan, 10

Q: Why did the banana go to the

doctor?A: He wasn’t peeling

very wellConnah, 9

Knock, knockWho’s there?

Britney SpearsBritney Spears who?

Knock, knockWho’s there?

Oops, I did it again…Tish, 13

Q: What do sea monsters eat?A: Fish and ships

Zane, 8

Q: Why did the cow cross the road?

A: Because it wanted

to go to the moo-viesJoshua, 10

Q: How do you start a jelly race?

A: Get set… go!Zane, 8

Pet’scorner

Yourhobbies

Tish, 13, from CornwallMy grandad’s next-door neighbour’s dog, Molly, is a four-year-old springer spaniel. She is my bestest friend and I love her loads. Molly is very hyper and excellent at jumping and I am currently trying to teach her agility. She can jump through a hoop and I’m teaching her to go through weave poles. One day I hope to enter some agility competitions.

Sadia, 10, from BirminghamI have a kitten called Rosco. He follows everyone in my family. I love taking photos of him when he’s asleep and awake. He is so adorable.

I enjoy…karateAlex, 10, from CheadleI have been doing karate for about two years. Now I am on my green belt and so are my friends. I like karate because it gives me confidence and teaches me self-defence. I am going for my purple belt soon.

I enjoy…swimmingIsabella, 7, from ManchesterI love going swimming so I have swimming lessons after school on Thursday and we give out badges. I help give them out. You will get a badge only if you swim really hard.

Amy, 8, from StonehouseI have a dog called Breeze. She is a very cute dog but very cheeky. She ate my Nanna and Grandad’s dinner that was on the worktop after eating her own dinner! Any time she does something cheeky it’s hard to stay cross with her because of her cute face.

Your shout!Tell us about your hobbies or send us your favourite pet photos and stories in the Freepost envelope provided, or email shoutout@clicsargent.org.uk. Don’t forget to include you full name, date of birth and postcode.

My Dad’s dogKatie, 11

I want to tell you about my Dad’s guide dog called Esmé. She has her own chair and she does this special pose called Queen Victoria. She is cute not doing the pose, but when she is doing the pose she is a lot cuter.

18 19

Your jokes

Q: Why do ducks have webbed feet?

A: To stamp out forest firesQ: Why do elephants have

big flat feet?A: To stamp out flaming ducks!

Jack, 12

Q: What did the policeman say to the three-headed

monster?A: Ello, ello, ello

Alex, 10 Q: Where does an Eskimo pig live?

A: In a piglooNathan, 10

Q: Why did the banana go to the

doctor?A: He wasn’t peeling

very wellConnah, 9

Knock, knockWho’s there?

Britney SpearsBritney Spears who?

Knock, knockWho’s there?

Oops, I did it again…Tish, 13

Q: What do sea monsters eat?A: Fish and ships

Zane, 8

Q: Why did the cow cross the road?

A: Because it wanted

to go to the moo-viesJoshua, 10

Q: How do you start a jelly race?

A: Get set… go!Zane, 8

Pet’scorner

Yourhobbies

Tish, 13, from CornwallMy grandad’s next-door neighbour’s dog, Molly, is a four-year-old springer spaniel. She is my bestest friend and I love her loads. Molly is very hyper and excellent at jumping and I am currently trying to teach her agility. She can jump through a hoop and I’m teaching her to go through weave poles. One day I hope to enter some agility competitions.

Sadia, 10, from BirminghamI have a kitten called Rosco. He follows everyone in my family. I love taking photos of him when he’s asleep and awake. He is so adorable.

I enjoy…karateAlex, 10, from CheadleI have been doing karate for about two years. Now I am on my green belt and so are my friends. I like karate because it gives me confidence and teaches me self-defence. I am going for my purple belt soon.

I enjoy…swimmingIsabella, 7, from ManchesterI love going swimming so I have swimming lessons after school on Thursday and we give out badges. I help give them out. You will get a badge only if you swim really hard.

Amy, 8, from StonehouseI have a dog called Breeze. She is a very cute dog but very cheeky. She ate my Nanna and Grandad’s dinner that was on the worktop after eating her own dinner! Any time she does something cheeky it’s hard to stay cross with her because of her cute face.

Your shout!Tell us about your hobbies or send us your favourite pet photos and stories in the Freepost envelope provided, or email shoutout@clicsargent.org.uk. Don’t forget to include you full name, date of birth and postcode.

My Dad’s dogKatie, 11

I want to tell you about my Dad’s guide dog called Esmé. She has her own chair and she does this special pose called Queen Victoria. She is cute not doing the pose, but when she is doing the pose she is a lot cuter.

18 19

Find out more...CLIC Sargent – www.clicsargent.org.ukYour CLIC Sargent care worker will be able to help with questions or concerns and can give you information about childhood cancer. This could be for you, your family, friends or teachers. You can also call CLIC Sargent on 0300 330 0803 or email info@clicsargent.org.uk

CLIC Sargent also has available a number of storybooks written especially for children to help them understand what cancer is and the treatment it involves. The storybooks include:

Mary has a brain tumour Joe has leukaemia Lucy has a tumour Tom has lymphoma Chemotherapy, cakes and cancer You can read the storybook on your own, or with the help of your parents, older siblings, grandparents and anybody else who looks after you. You can get a copy from your CLIC Sargent care team, or ask an adult to download a copy from our website www.clicsargent.org.uk

ChildLine – www.childline.org.ukYou can call ChildLine on 0800 11 11 or 0800 40 02 22, text or contact them online at www.childline.org.uk if you would like to chat to somebody privately about anything that may be worrying you.

Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group - www.cclg.org.ukYou can download lots of useful publications about cancer and treatment from their website, including many that have been written especially for children. Otherwise, you could order them through the CLIC Sargent website, or ask your care team for copies.

Bullying UK – www.bullying.co.ukBullying UK can be contacted by anybody needing information or advice about bullying in school. Call Parentline free on 0808 800 2222 or email help@bullying.co.uk

Make sure you ask an adult before using the telephone or computer!

Shout Out! is CLIC Sargent’s magazine for 7 to 13-year-olds.If you have any questions about the magazine check with your parent or carer if they are happy for you to call us on 0300 330 0803 and then ask to speak to the Information Manager.

www.clicsargent.org.ukRegistered charity number 1107328 and registered in Scotland (SC039857)

Please note that everyone’s experience will be different and may not follow the order outlined in this publication, and that services will differ across the UK. CLIC Sargent cannot accept any responsibility for information and services provided by third parties, including those referred to or signposted to in this publication.

While we take every care to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date at time of printing, CLIC Sargent cannot accept liability for any loss or damage resulting from any inaccuracy or omission in this publication. Information should not be relied on in place of appropriate professional or other advice specific to your circumstances.

REF: SO01_12359. Issue 3, Winter 2013 Next issue: Spring 2013

Welcome to our winter issue of Shout Out!, the magazine that’s especially

for children who have cancer (or who have had it) written with your help.

This issue, the theme is keeping up with friends and classmates at school

during treatment.

Last summer we asked you if cancer and having treatment had made a

difference to your school life. After listening to what you said, and what

parents, carers and professionals told us, we wrote a new report called

No child with cancer left out. It explains how things could be made better in

schools for children who have cancer. You can read more about this on p8.

Your views are really important to us here at CLIC Sargent, and by telling

us what you think you’ve played a big part in producing our special report.

Thank you!

In this issue, on p6 our expert answers your questions about keeping up

with friends while you’re having treatment. On p13 you can read about how

11-year-old Alicia organised a school assembly about Hodgkin lymphoma

with her friends. Don’t miss the chance to create your very own comic strip

(p11) and, of course, to read your hilarious jokes (p19)!

Happy reading!

Alisha Thank you!A massive Shout Out! thank you to CLIC Sargent’s Children and Young People’s Advisory Group, who gave us loads of brilliant ideas, stories and drawings for the magazine back in December (loved the groovy dancing too, guys!). Thanks also to the children at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow for helping us put this fun-packed issue together.

An oyster can take five years to make

just one pearl

A chameleon’s tongue is twice as long as its

bodyThe Hawaiian alphabet only has 12 letters

Mosquitos prefer biting people with

smelly feet

An average person will spend 25 years asleep

In a deck of cards the king of hearts is the only king without

a moustache

Try this at home!Make your own slime

You’ll need some corn�our, a measuring jug and some cold water.

• Measure 200ml corn�our in the measuring jug and tip it into a big bowl

• Now measure 50ml cold water, add it to the corn�our and stir

• Pour some of the mixture into your hand and then squeeze it. It should go hard

• Open your hand and it will go runny again.

Add a drop of green food colouring if you like, but put washing-up gloves on so that your hands don’t get stained!

Don’t forget to ask an adult to do this with you if you need some help.

Letter editor

fromthe know?Did you

2 3

Ask theexpertIn this issue CLIC Sargent Social Worker Liz East answers your

questions about keeping up with friends in school during

treatment.

Q: How can I let my school friends know what is going on when I am not at school?

A: People may want to send you lots of cards and letters when they �nd out you are poorly and, of course, you can write back to them if you like. If you have a phone, you can also phone or text your friends when you are feeling up to it. If it’s a smartphone you could ask your parent or carer to download apps like Skype or FaceTime. These let you see who you are talking to.

Some schools can set up a computer with Skype in the classroom so that you could chat to school friends during break time. You could also write an update of how you are, or get someone to do it for you, that could go on a school message board for your friends to read and send you messages back to read when you feel like it.

Read how Alicia spoke at her school assembly and raised money for charity on p13

Q: How do I deal with people, including my friends, treating me differently?A: When your friends �nd out you have cancer, some will want to help you and talk to you. Others may not know what to say or do, or even avoid you. You may also �nd that some people suddenly start calling you ‘brave’ or feeling sorry for you.

Try to be yourself. Let friends and other people know that, yes, you’re having cancer treatment, but you’re still the same old you. Stay in touch with friends and let them know when you’re ready to hang out and do the things you enjoy doing together.

Q: How can I explain what is happening to me to my friends?A: Your friends have probably got all kinds of questions to ask you. If you can answer them easily, and you’re happy to, then just tell them whatever you can. You could also ask your mum, dad or carer to help you explain things as well. Sometimes it might be possible to have a social worker or nurse go into school and explain to your school friends what is happening so they understand.Sometimes it makes you feel better to talk about what’s going on, and other times you may not want to talk about it at all which is �ne. The most important thing is to do what is right for you – if you don’t want to, it’s �ne to say you don’t want to talk about it or ask an adult to explain on your behalf. You may �nd that once they understand, they won’t feel the need to keep asking questions about your cancer but will just get back to being friends like before.

Your Shout!Do you have a question for our experts? It could be anything from staying healthy to advice on how to cope with your feelings. Send your questions in the Freepost envelope provided or email them to shoutout@clicsargent.org.uk. Remember to include your full name, date of birth and postcode.

Q: Can my friends visit me in hospital?

A: It depends. Sometimes cancer treatment makes you more at risk of catching infections, and the team who look after you at the hospital may not want you to risk catching any illnesses from visitors.

It’s important to know that your friends cannot visit if they are unwell, or have been unwell in the past few days. If they are unsure, they should check with ward staff �rst before visiting.

Sometimes you may feel really grotty and not want to see or talk to anyone, and that’s �ne.

But, of course, it’s normal to want to see people from home. If you would like some visitors, and your doctors and nurses say it’s okay, you could get your mum, dad or carer to invite a few friends to come and see you.

6 7

Ask theexpertIn this issue CLIC Sargent Social Worker Liz East answers your

questions about keeping up with friends in school during

treatment.

Q: How can I let my school friends know what is going on when I am not at school?

A: People may want to send you lots of cards and letters when they �nd out you are poorly and, of course, you can write back to them if you like. If you have a phone, you can also phone or text your friends when you are feeling up to it. If it’s a smartphone you could ask your parent or carer to download apps like Skype or FaceTime. These let you see who you are talking to.

Some schools can set up a computer with Skype in the classroom so that you could chat to school friends during break time. You could also write an update of how you are, or get someone to do it for you, that could go on a school message board for your friends to read and send you messages back to read when you feel like it.

Read how Alicia spoke at her school assembly and raised money for charity on p13

Q: How do I deal with people, including my friends, treating me differently?A: When your friends �nd out you have cancer, some will want to help you and talk to you. Others may not know what to say or do, or even avoid you. You may also �nd that some people suddenly start calling you ‘brave’ or feeling sorry for you.

Try to be yourself. Let friends and other people know that, yes, you’re having cancer treatment, but you’re still the same old you. Stay in touch with friends and let them know when you’re ready to hang out and do the things you enjoy doing together.

Q: How can I explain what is happening to me to my friends?A: Your friends have probably got all kinds of questions to ask you. If you can answer them easily, and you’re happy to, then just tell them whatever you can. You could also ask your mum, dad or carer to help you explain things as well. Sometimes it might be possible to have a social worker or nurse go into school and explain to your school friends what is happening so they understand.Sometimes it makes you feel better to talk about what’s going on, and other times you may not want to talk about it at all which is �ne. The most important thing is to do what is right for you – if you don’t want to, it’s �ne to say you don’t want to talk about it or ask an adult to explain on your behalf. You may �nd that once they understand, they won’t feel the need to keep asking questions about your cancer but will just get back to being friends like before.

Your Shout!Do you have a question for our experts? It could be anything from staying healthy to advice on how to cope with your feelings. Send your questions in the Freepost envelope provided or email them to shoutout@clicsargent.org.uk. Remember to include your full name, date of birth and postcode.

Q: Can my friends visit me in hospital?

A: It depends. Sometimes cancer treatment makes you more at risk of catching infections, and the team who look after you at the hospital may not want you to risk catching any illnesses from visitors.

It’s important to know that your friends cannot visit if they are unwell, or have been unwell in the past few days. If they are unsure, they should check with ward staff �rst before visiting.

Sometimes you may feel really grotty and not want to see or talk to anyone, and that’s �ne.

But, of course, it’s normal to want to see people from home. If you would like some visitors, and your doctors and nurses say it’s okay, you could get your mum, dad or carer to invite a few friends to come and see you.

6 7

Your jokes

Q: Why do ducks have webbed feet?

A: To stamp out forest �resQ: Why do elephants have

big flat feet?A: To stamp out �aming ducks!

Jack, 12

Q: What did the policeman say to the three-headed

monster?A: Ello, ello, ello

Alex, 10 Q: Where does an Eskimo pig live?

A: In a piglooNathan, 10

Q: Why did the banana go to the

doctor?A: He wasn’t peeling

very wellConnah, 9

Knock, knockWho’s there?

Britney SpearsBritney Spears who?

Knock, knockWho’s there?

Oops, I did it again…Tish, 13

Q: What do sea monsters eat?A: Fish and ships

Zane, 8

Q: Why did the cow cross the road?

A: Because it wanted

to go to the moo-viesJoshua, 10

Q: How do you start a jelly race?

A: Get set… go!Zane, 8

Pet’scorner

Yourhobbies

Tish, 13, from CornwallMy grandad’s next-door neighbour’s dog, Molly, is a four-year-old springer spaniel. She is my bestest friend and I love her loads. Molly is very hyper and excellent at jumping and I am currently trying to teach her agility. She can jump through a hoop and I’m teaching her to go through weave poles. One day I hope to enter some agility competitions.

Sadia, 10, from BirminghamI have a kitten called Rosco. He follows everyone in my family. I love taking photos of him when he’s asleep and awake. He is so adorable.

I enjoy…karateAlex, 10, from CheadleI have been doing karate for about two years. Now I am on my green belt and so are my friends. I like karate because it gives me con�dence and teaches me self-defence. I am going for my purple belt soon.

I enjoy…swimmingIsabella, 7, from ManchesterI love going swimming so I have swimming lessons after school on Thursday and we give out badges. I help give them out. You will get a badge only if you swim really hard.

Amy, 8, from StonehouseI have a dog called Breeze. She is a very cute dog but very cheeky. She ate my Nanna and Grandad’s dinner that was on the worktop after eating her own dinner! Any time she does something cheeky it’s hard to stay cross with her because of her cute face.

Your shout!Tell us about your hobbies or send us your favourite pet photos and stories in the Freepost envelope provided, or email shoutout@clicsargent.org.uk. Don’t forget to include you full name, date of birth and postcode.

My Dad’s dogKatie, 11

I want to tell you about my Dad’s guide dog called Esmé. She has her own chair and she does this special pose called Queen Victoria. She is cute not doing the pose, but when she is doing the pose she is a lot cuter.

18 19

Your jokes

Q: Why do ducks have webbed feet?

A: To stamp out forest �resQ: Why do elephants have

big flat feet?A: To stamp out �aming ducks!

Jack, 12

Q: What did the policeman say to the three-headed

monster?A: Ello, ello, ello

Alex, 10 Q: Where does an Eskimo pig live?

A: In a piglooNathan, 10

Q: Why did the banana go to the

doctor?A: He wasn’t peeling

very wellConnah, 9

Knock, knockWho’s there?

Britney SpearsBritney Spears who?

Knock, knockWho’s there?

Oops, I did it again…Tish, 13

Q: What do sea monsters eat?A: Fish and ships

Zane, 8

Q: Why did the cow cross the road?

A: Because it wanted

to go to the moo-viesJoshua, 10

Q: How do you start a jelly race?

A: Get set… go!Zane, 8

Pet’scorner

Yourhobbies

Tish, 13, from CornwallMy grandad’s next-door neighbour’s dog, Molly, is a four-year-old springer spaniel. She is my bestest friend and I love her loads. Molly is very hyper and excellent at jumping and I am currently trying to teach her agility. She can jump through a hoop and I’m teaching her to go through weave poles. One day I hope to enter some agility competitions.

Sadia, 10, from BirminghamI have a kitten called Rosco. He follows everyone in my family. I love taking photos of him when he’s asleep and awake. He is so adorable.

I enjoy…karateAlex, 10, from CheadleI have been doing karate for about two years. Now I am on my green belt and so are my friends. I like karate because it gives me con�dence and teaches me self-defence. I am going for my purple belt soon.

I enjoy…swimmingIsabella, 7, from ManchesterI love going swimming so I have swimming lessons after school on Thursday and we give out badges. I help give them out. You will get a badge only if you swim really hard.

Amy, 8, from StonehouseI have a dog called Breeze. She is a very cute dog but very cheeky. She ate my Nanna and Grandad’s dinner that was on the worktop after eating her own dinner! Any time she does something cheeky it’s hard to stay cross with her because of her cute face.

Your shout!Tell us about your hobbies or send us your favourite pet photos and stories in the Freepost envelope provided, or email shoutout@clicsargent.org.uk. Don’t forget to include you full name, date of birth and postcode.

My Dad’s dogKatie, 11

I want to tell you about my Dad’s guide dog called Esmé. She has her own chair and she does this special pose called Queen Victoria. She is cute not doing the pose, but when she is doing the pose she is a lot cuter.

18 19