SWK-02. WEAVING COMFORT AND SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN WITH BRAIN TUMORS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN AN OUTPATIENT CLINIC

Parents of children diagnosed with brain tumors report high levels of stress at diagnosis and feelings of “being lost” on transition to outpatient follow-up care (Jackson AC, et al, 2007). Ssori is a Japanese form of free-style weaving that encourages people facing life-limiting challenges to discover inner strengths. We report our experience with Saori weaving with brain tumor patients and their families in a pediatric oncology outpatient clinic at a major university medical center. During 2019, we offered weaving sessions twice a week. We had a total of 151 encounters with hematology/oncology patients (age 5–18 years), siblings, or parents. Among these patients there were 20 with primary brain tumor diagnoses. Weaving was offered in the art therapy area of the clinic. After creating a fabric, the weavers had the opportunity to have their work sewn into functional objects, such as pillows, bags, purses, or healing pouches filled with beans that can be heated or cooled for comfort. Brain tumor patients readily engaged in weaving, despite various degrees of neurologic disability including hemiparesis or low vision. In the words of an 8 y/o weaver. “This is so cool. Daddy, can we always come when the weavers are here, so I can weave?” And from a mother: “This is great. She’s focused and busy!” Case studies, including a presentation of Legacy work, will be reported. In conclusion, Saori weaving can be an impactful intervention for childhood brain tumor patients and their families in an outpatient clinic setting.