In the world of childhood cancer, victory doesn't always look like ringing the bell at the end of treatment. Sometimes it looks like keeping breakfast down after chemo. Sometimes it's walking to the playroom instead of using a wheelchair. Sometimes it's simply laughing at a silly joke on a hard day.
These moments matter. They're the threads that weave hope through the toughest days, reminding us that even during treatment, childhood persists, joy exists, and progress happens—one small victory at a time.
Redefining What "Winning" Means
Before cancer, you might have celebrated report cards, soccer goals, or piano recitals. During treatment, the victories shift but shine just as bright. A successful blood draw on the first try becomes cause for celebration. Taking medicine without a struggle deserves recognition.
Parents who've been through this often say that cancer taught them to see victories everywhere. Not because they lowered their standards, but because they learned what real strength looks like.
Creating Celebration Rituals
Many families develop special ways to mark these everyday wins. One family created a "victory jar" where they write down each day's success—no matter how small—on colorful paper strips. Reading them during particularly tough moments reminds everyone how far they've come.
Another family does "victory dances" in hospital hallways. Yes, even for seemingly tiny achievements like drinking enough water or completing physical therapy exercises. These moments transform the oncology ward from a place of sickness into a space where joy refuses to be silenced.
Some children love sticker charts redesigned for treatment milestones: one sticker for every pill taken, special stickers for port access days, glittery stars for completed scans. The visual reminder of accumulated victories builds confidence: "Look how brave I've been. I can do hard things."
4 Types of Victories Worth Celebrating
Physical victories:
- Standing up after days in bed
- Walking further than yesterday
- Appetite returning enough to eat a favorite food
- Hair starting to grow back—even just peach fuzz
- Completing physical therapy exercises
- Sleeping through the night without pain medication
Emotional victories:
- Comforting another child in treatment.
- Finding something to smile about.
- Expressing fear or anger instead of holding it inside.
- Asking for help when needed.
Social victories:
- Making a friend in the hospital.
- Participating in a video call with classmates.
- Teaching someone about their port or explaining their diagnosis matter-of-factly.
Choice victories:
- Picking which arm for today's blood draw.
- Choosing between two medicines first.
- Deciding what to eat for lunch.
During treatment, when so much feels beyond control, every choice exercised becomes an assertion of autonomy.
The Power of Witnessing Wins
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply notice and name these victories:
- "Wow, you handled that procedure like a champ!"
- "I saw how you helped that little kid feel less scared."
- "You were so patient during that long wait."
Children facing cancer often feel defined by their illness. When others recognize their victories, it reinforces their identity as brave, capable individuals who happen to be dealing with cancer—not just "cancer patients."
Making Space for Struggle
Acknowledging victories doesn't mean pretending everything is fine. In fact, recognizing how hard-won these achievements are makes them more meaningful. The child who manages to walk after weeks in bed has achieved something remarkable precisely because it was difficult.
Some days, the victory might simply be getting through the day.
Carrying Victory Forward
These small victories build upon one another, creating momentum throughout treatment. The child who celebrates taking medicine without complaint develops confidence for the next challenge. The family that dances in hospital hallways carries that joy-seeking spirit home.
Many families continue these celebration practices after treatment ends, having learned to see ordinary life through extraordinary eyes. They know that every healthy day, every normal childhood moment, every opportunity to grow and learn represents a victory worth celebrating.
Your Child's Victories Matter
If your child is facing cancer, know that every small step forward matters. Every pill swallowed, every smile shared, every tear dried—these are the building blocks of resilience. You don't need grand gestures or expensive rewards. Sometimes the most powerful celebration is simply saying, "I saw what you did today. You were so brave. I'm proud of you."
At Cancer Kickers Soccer Club, we believe every child facing cancer is already a champion. Their victories—however small they might seem—deserve recognition and celebration.