Name: Janet Masina
Occupation: Family support co-ordinator
Employer: Child Cancer Foundation
Age: 50 and fabulous
Working hours: 40+
Salary range: $45,000-$50,000
Qualifications: Life and everything it throws at you.
Describe your job?
The Child Cancer Foundation has four full-time co-ordinators based in Auckland, with 11 more throughout New Zealand, to ensure families are well cared for, supported and informed at every stage of their cancer journey.
We work alongside families and their support networks in the hospital and in their local community, advocate for families and attend meetings with health professionals and other agencies as a support person.
I also work with families from other parts of New Zealand who come to Starship Hospital for treatment.
We meet families at the hospital, in their homes, at planned events or at the CCF's Family Place - an area in our national office in Auckland where families can have a cup of tea, use the internet, do some washing, meet other families and where the children can play or watch DVDs.
Along with these roles, I also fold washing, read stories, connect Wi-Fi devices, deliver mail and bread, arrange outings and rescue lost out-of-town families from the Auckland CBD. If we had a theme song it would be Four Seasons in One Day.
What is your background?
I have a BSc in Zoology from Victoria University but, on graduating, decided that I wasn't really into fish, frogs and birds and went nursing instead - training as a psychopaedic nurse and later as a comprehensive nurse. Before joining CCF, I spent several years as a social rehabilitation and needs assessor for both government and private agencies. My colleagues' backgrounds are in social work, counselling, art, health and education. But other skills are important, too - empathy, a good sense of humour, warmth and an ability to work with a cross-section of families.
Why did you choose to work with the foundation?
This role blended my life experiences and work roles into one package. I love that CCF is all about children and families. I know it can sound corny but at the time I joined the foundation I was looking for a role where, as a breast survivor, I could also give back.
How do you work out what support families need?
Home or hospital visits afford me the opportunity to offer families one-on-one support and to discuss what programmes and support services they require. I also connect them with our local CCF Branch - where they can meet other families going through similar experiences.
Why is your role important?
We go into families' homes, we see their lives outside of the hospital and how their world changes after a diagnosis. The children are poked and prodded as part of their treatment; parents have to learn a whole new language filled with medical terminology.
They often comment about how overwhelming the experience can be - we try to be their calm in the eye of the storm. We are another pair of hands, someone to laugh and cry with, a friendly ear. CCF's support programmes include Beads of Courage, which recognises our children's strength, and the SIBS beads, which recognise the journeys of brothers and sisters. The stories that come out of these strings of beads are humbling to hear but amazing to be a part of.
What are the job's challenges?
Everyone thinks working with children with cancer is heartbreaking and it can be. This job is not without its challenges but there is also laughter, joy and celebration. Balancing sadness with joy can be hard but it is the children and their families that lead the way.
What do you do when you need support?
My Auckland colleagues in the Family Support team are all caring, supportive and understanding women. We look out for each other through the tough stuff and share and celebrate the good times. I also access professional supervision facilitated by a qualified professional with expertise in the issues associated with my role.
Going home to a loving and supportive family is the best coping mechanism for me. My husband Fred and daughters Anastacia and Gabryel have all walked the path that my families are on - they shared my cancer journey so even though I can't share the details of my day, they know when a hug is required and they understand that an hour at Gabryel's water polo game shouting and clapping isn't always just about the game, it's also my way of letting it all go.
The best part of your job?
Meeting the most amazing children. Their courage and strength, their tears and laughter remind me not sweat the small stuff.
Any negatives?
That there is a need for this role.
What are your strengths?
I love working with people of all ages - families tell me I am a good listener. My colleagues say I am a clear thinker, I'm good at remaining calm in difficult situations and I'm a "doer".
What do you want to be doing in five years?
Living and doing all the things I was ever told I shouldn't or couldn't do.
Advice to those interested in a similar role?
Volunteer with us and meet our people.
March is Child Cancer Appeal Month with the Beads of Courage Day (street collection) on Friday, March 25.
