Golden Butterflies Children's Palliative Care Foundation

WINGS, operating twice weekly at KKCTH – GB Hear for You and GB Bandwagon for the Paediatric Oncology Ward on the 6th Floor, offered support until the Covid-19 lockdown. One-on-one sessions are available for families in SRMC, Mehta Hospital, and Adyar Cancer Institute. Since May 2020, counselling services have been initiated at the new GB office at Kelly's. GB Caregivers Connect, a supportive space for caregivers and families of child patients, meets bi-monthly at the office. GB Cocoon, a short-stay home at Karunasagar Hospice Centre, provides free lodging and boarding for outstation child patients and their caregivers during treatment modules.

GB Bandwagon, led by Paediatric Medical Social Worker Daphne, conducts art, recreational activities, and non-formal education for children battling cancer or chronic illnesses, along with their siblings. Group and individual activities take place at hospitals, patient accommodations, or homes. Through these engagements, children find outlets for emotional expression and relaxation. In response to obstacles in attending regular schools, GB Bandwagon initiated bridge classes, ensuring continuous education for children undergoing treatment. Special occasions like New Year, Christmas, and Pongal are celebrated with joy, fun, and hugs for child patients and families. GB also observes World Hospice & Palliative Care Day, International Childhood Cancer Day, and World Cancer Day to raise awareness.

The "GB Right Where You Are" home care project delivers high-quality pediatric care to child patients and their families, regardless of location. Led by Dr. Julius Xavier Scott, a seasoned professional in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, the team includes Pediatric Nursing Officers, Medical Social Workers, Counselors, Psychologists, a Data Analyst, and a dedicated Driver. Beyond medical intervention, the initiative offers psychosocial support, art, recreational activities, and non-formal education. Trained nurses address pain management, wound care, and nutritional advice, while physiotherapy programmes benefit children with neurological issues. The multi-disciplinary team ensures comprehensive care for both child patients and their families.

Golden Butterflies actively engages in capacity building through training programs for students and healthcare practitioners in the fields of medicine, nursing, and social work. Recognizing Palliative Care as a valuable skill, GB emphasizes regular workshops to enhance service quality. Creating awareness is the initial step towards nurturing compassion in society. The organisation conducts certificate courses for professionals and the general public, aiming to impart knowledge in Paediatric Palliative Care. In-house training for volunteers, including WINGS, focuses on skill enhancement, while exposure visits and conference participation strengthen the team's expertise.